The Monkey King—the mythical legend of old—is getting a hyper-modern upgrade. In a groundbreaking move for animation and storytelling, Utopai Studios and Chinese entertainment heavyweight Huace Film & TV are teaming up to co-produce a fully AI-generated animated series, Journey to the West: The Lost Five Hundred Years.
Powered by Utopai’s proprietary AI system, PAI, the series reimagines one of China’s most iconic and globally influential mythological tales for a new generation. Rather than retelling the familiar pilgrimage, the new show dives deep into the untold origins of Sun Wukong. It explores a fascinating question: why would the rebellious, immortal trickster imprisoned beneath a mountain for five centuries suddenly become the sworn protector of a monk he had never met?
This collaboration marks a massive milestone in the collision of cultural heritage and cutting-edge tech. Under the partnership, Huace will handle the production using the PAI system, while Utopai Studios has secured global distribution rights outside of China.
Conceived as the first chapter in a massive, planned theatrical franchise, The Lost Five Hundred Years will initially hit broadcast, streaming, and digital platforms. For youth audiences and animation enthusiasts alike, this fusion of ancient folklore and AI production promises to redefine how we experience classic mythology. Prepare to see the legendary Monkey King like never before. As for when, unfortunately, there’s no announced release date yet.
Cover image via DEADLINE.
