Stars Collective Film Entertainment Group unveiled an exciting new project on the opening day of Hong Kong’s FilMart: a highly ambitious animated trilogy based on the iconic Chinese novel Journey to the West. The trilogy, which includes titles Bajie, Monkey King, and Nezha, aims to introduce Eastern mythology to a global audience and expand on its growing appeal in the entertainment world.
The announcement comes on the heels of several high-profile successes in the genre, including the video game Black Myth: Wukong, which based on Chinese mythology, has sold 28 million copies and generated over $1.25 billion in revenue since its August 2024 release. Additionally, the Lunar New Year release Ne Zha 2 has crossed the $2 billion mark at the global box office.
Journey to the West, one of China’s four great classical novels, has been translated into more than 40 languages and is often described as an Eastern counterpart to The Odyssey or The Lord of the Rings. The narrative spans the realms of gods, demons, and humans, following the mischievous Monkey King, Sun Wukong, as he escorts the Buddhist monk Tang Sanzang on a perilous pilgrimage to India.
Currently in the script development phase, the Journey to the West trilogy will begin production in 2026. Utilizing AI-generated animation and motion capture technology, the project aims to create a hyper-realistic mythological world. The trilogy’s first film, Bajie, will lead the charge.
The series will delve deeply into the personalities of some of the story’s most iconic characters. Bajie will challenge traditional depictions by exploring the complexity of Marshal Tianpeng’s fall to the mortal realm, revealing his hidden loyalty and sacrifice. Meanwhile, Monkey King will explore the transformation of Sun Wukong from the “Great Sage Equal to Heaven” to the “Victorious Fighting Buddha,” focusing on the theme of duality through the “True and False Monkey King” narrative, where the Six-Eared Macaque serves as a metaphor. The final installment, Nezha, will examine themes of rebellion and redemption, centering on the character’s tragic fate of sacrificing himself for his parents. The film will reinterpret Nezha’s iconic combat aesthetics through Zen Buddhist philosophy.
Peter Luo, founder of Stars Collective, stated, “Our Journey to the West trilogy represents a new chapter in global storytelling. We’re not just adapting a classic tale, we’re revolutionizing how Eastern mythology can be presented on the world stage. Our mission is to create a cinematic experience that bridges cultures and generations, combining timeless storytelling with cutting-edge technology.”
The project is set to extend beyond traditional film, with Stars Collective partnering with Stars Immersion, Stars Immersion China, and Echotech to develop XR immersive theatrical experiences. The first international flagship location is set to open in Los Angeles by the end of 2025, followed by a planned expansion to 30 venues across North America in 2026, and 50 locations worldwide by 2027. These venues will feature motion-sensing technology and interactive storytelling, enabling audiences to experience pivotal moments from the Journey to the West in new and immersive ways.
Nancy Xu, co-CEO of Stars Collective, highlighted, “This is not just an extension of the film – it is a parallel universe where audiences around the world can truly live inside Journey to the West.”
These interactive experiences will allow audiences to physically engage with the mythological world, such as touching Sun Wukong’s Golden Cudgel, riding Nezha’s Wind Fire Wheels, or feeling the tremor of Bajie’s Nine-Toothed Rake, as described by Yu Xu, CEO of Echotech and Meilin Culture.
Stars Collective’s ambitions extend well beyond Journey to the West. The company has also recently formed a strategic partnership with El Pajaro Pictures Shanghai Co. to develop a new animated film adaptation of The Little Prince. Furthermore, it has partnered with DNEG to explore immersive experiences in China and has teamed up with HashMatrix Co. on AI projects.
At the inaugural Stars Summit in Los Angeles, Stars Collective, Hana Investment (China), and Starlight Media confirmed their collaboration on the first projects from the Stars-Hana $300 million fund, which will support investments in films, television, comics, games, and more.
The company has also secured rights to Fortune Sons: The 120 Chinese Boys Who Came to America, Went to School, and Revolutionized an Ancient Civilization, with Oscar-winning producer Donna Gigliotti attached. Additionally, Stars Collective has optioned the film and TV rights to Shawn M. Warner’s bestselling novel Leigh Howard and the Ghosts of Simmons-Pierce Manor.
In the realm of action cinema, Stars Collective has partnered with Thailand’s Film Odyssey to finance and produce an untitled muay Thai action film trilogy, starring renowned Thai martial arts action star Tony Jaa.
With its expansive portfolio and forward-thinking approach, Stars Collective is making a bold statement in both Eastern and Western markets, pushing boundaries in entertainment and technology while staying true to its cultural roots.
Related topic:
Ambiguity and Psychological Tension Drive “Descendent” at SXSW
Julia Stiles Recalled “Down to You” Dance Scene
“LifeHack” Pushes Boundaries of Screenlife Genre with Cyber Heist Thrills