On August 26th, the short-form drama channel "9527 Theater" made an announcement that its second high-quality micro-short drama, "The Big Big Talk of Journey to the West," is scheduled for release by the end of this year. The production is backed by Stephen Chow, with Jiang Long and Zhang Tianai serving as executive producers and lead actors, while Wang Jianhua and Song Tianshuo are set to direct.
The new series, "The Big Big Talk of Journey to the West," marks the second premium micro-short drama produced by "9527 Theater." Previously, the channel had launched "Golden Pig and Jade Leaf" on June 2nd, which concluded on July 16th after airing two seasons consisting of 24 episodes in total. The show garnered over 400 million views, setting a precedent for a new comedic narrative style in the realm of short dramas.
Set five hundred years after the events of "Journey to the West," "The Big Big Talk of Journey to the West" follows the story of how, while the legendary hero Zhi Zun Bao is preoccupied battling Bai Jingjing, a small-town carpenter named Zhiyun is identified as the reincarnation of Sun Wukong by the powerful spirit stone warrior Yueguang. Together, they embark on a quest to Mount Huaguo to uncover their destiny and memories. The title itself hints at the creative extension of Stephen Chow's classic comedy film "A Chinese Odyssey."
The involvement of Jiang Long and Zhang Tianai as both executive producers and lead actors adds significant interest to "The Big Big Talk of Journey to the West." In addition to their acting roles, they will also contribute to the overall planning and operation of the project, ensuring a high level of quality.
Jiang Long, who won the annual comedy duo championship on "The Annual Comedy Competition," has starred in television series such as "Dog Sheng Run!" "Time Agent," and "Fox Crane Demon Hunter." Speaking about his collaboration with Stephen Chow, Jiang Long shared that he initially felt a sense of star-struck excitement, but after interacting with Chow, his passion for comedy creation was further ignited. This marks Jiang Long's debut as an executive producer.
Zhang Tianai, known for her roles in films like "The Captain" and the web series "Empress of the Ming," expressed enthusiasm for taking on the role of executive producer for this short drama. She stated, "I love comedy and enjoy playing period roles. I hope to recreate classics under the guidance of Mr. Stephen Chow, and at the same time, embrace the challenge of my new role."
"The Big Big Talk of Journey to the West" is directed by Wang Jianhua and Song Tianshuo, with screenplay by Liushou. Wang Jianhua is a contracted director and screenwriter with Happy Mahua, having worked on comedies like "Oh My God!" and "The Jewel Thief." Song Tianshuo, a director from the Northern Kunqu Opera Theatre, participated in "The Annual Comedy Competition," presenting works such as "Ten Years Offstage" and "Like Father, Like Son." Hailing from a family deeply rooted in Peking opera, his father Song Yan is well-known as the "Monkey King" in Beijing's opera scene. Both directors played the roles of Tang Sanzang and Sun Wukong respectively in the comedy special "Eighty-One Tribulations."
"The Big Big Talk of Journey to the West" is expected to be released by the end of the year.