CCTV Announces Lavish "Journey to the West" Remake with 500 Million Yuan Budget
Translated from Vietnamese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- China Central Television (CCTV) announced a new adaptation of the classic novel "Journey to the West" set to begin filming in early 2027.
- The 27-episode series will have a budget of 500 million yuan and will feature extensive location shooting and advanced visual effects developed with the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
- Casting is underway nationwide, with a focus on finding professional actors for demanding roles like Sun Wukong and potential casting for Wang Yibo as Tang Sanzang.
CCTV's ambitious undertaking to remake the beloved 1986 "Journey to the West" signals a significant investment in cultural heritage and modern filmmaking. With a staggering 500 million yuan budget and a planned 27 episodes, this new adaptation aims to bring the epic tale to life with unprecedented visual fidelity and a deep respect for the original source material. Director Fei Zhenxiang, who has a background in traditional opera, emphasizes the importance of honoring the classic narrative while leveraging contemporary technology.
Bộ phim sẽ tập trung quay ngoại cảnh, thậm chí đến cả Tân Cương và nhiều địa điểm khác, nhằm tái hiện chân thực từng chi tiết trong nguyên tác.
The production's commitment to authenticity is evident in its plan for extensive location shooting across China, including Xinjiang, to capture the diverse landscapes described in the novel. Furthermore, collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Sciences for visual effects promises to deliver state-of-the-art CGI that will undoubtedly enhance the magical and mythical elements of the story. This focus on high production values reflects China's growing prowess in the global film industry and its dedication to producing high-quality content that resonates both domestically and internationally.
Đặc biệt, vai Tôn Ngộ Không dự kiến sẽ chọn diễn viên hí kịch chuyên nghiệp, bởi các động tác hóa thân thành khỉ rất khó, diễn viên thông thường khó có thể nắm bắt trong thời gian ngắn.
Casting for the new series is generating considerable buzz, particularly the search for actors to embody iconic characters. The decision to seek professional actors for the physically demanding role of Sun Wukong, and potentially a comedic actor for Zhu Bajie, demonstrates a thoughtful approach to character portrayal. The rumored casting of popular star Wang Yibo as Tang Sanzang has particularly captured public attention, with many believing his charisma and acting ability align well with the character's complex nature. This blend of established talent and new faces, combined with a substantial budget and advanced technology, positions this remake as a highly anticipated cultural event, aiming to capture the imagination of a new generation while satisfying the nostalgia of older viewers.
Vương Nhất Bác vốn kén kịch bản, nếu lần này thực sự vào vai Đường Tăng thì vừa phù hợp với khí chất vừa lạnh lùng vừa mạnh mẽ của anh, đồng thời cũng có thể quảng bá cho quê hương Lạc Dương.
Originally published by Tuổi Trẻ in Vietnamese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.