Netflix heads Down Under for The Legend of Monkey
David Farnor | On 22, Apr 2017
Netflix is heading Down Under to tell The Legend of Monkey.
Inspired by the classic Chinese fable, Journey to the West, the live-action epic is a co-production between the streaming giant, Australia’s ABC and New Zealand’s TVNZ.
Production is now underway in New Zealand for the 10-episode series, reports Deadline, which follows a teenage girl and a trio of fallen gods on a dangerous quest, as they fight to end a demonic reign of chaos and restore balance to the world. The 100’s Chao Hansen stars as Monkey, alongside Luciane Buchanan (Filthy Rich, Blue Rose) as Tripitaka, Josh Thomson (Terry Teo, 7 Days) as Pigsy and Emile Cocquerel (Lion) as Sandy.
Jacquelin Perske (Spirited) is the showrunner, with Craig Irvin (Nowhere Boys) and Samantha Strauss (Dance Academy) also on writing duties. Gerard Johnstone is the programme’s lead director, with Irvin helming additional episodes.
See-Saw Films and Jump Film & TV are producing the show, with investment from both Screen Australia and Screen NSW, as well as Fulcrum Media Finance and the New Zealand Screen Production Grant.
The Legend of Monkey will premiere on ABC and TVNZ in their respective countries, with Netflix airing the country internationally. The series will start in 2018.