5 Apr – Hong Kong action auteur John Woo is set to produce a Chinese superhero movie based on a story created by the late Stan Lee and his long-time collaborator Sharad Devarajan. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the upcoming adaptation will be based on an unpublished story, "Monkey Master" that Lee and Devarajan created several years ago based loosely of the Chinese legend The Monkey King. The story follows New York City archeologist Li Yong who travels to India where he uncovers a hidden power that transforms him into a modern-day superhero, The Monkey Master, after discovering an ancient prophecy.
In a statement to the media, Woo admitted that he has always wanted to make a Monkey King film of his own but struggled to find a fresh way into the story, until he found out about Lee's story. "The story by Stan Lee was such a unique version of it that incorporated the mythological character's unexplored journey to India and had all the elements I enjoy in film-making - great characters, action and adventure. I am excited to work with Sharad and Gill to bring Stan's vision for this new superhero character to the screen." Back in 2016, Lee spoke about the story, saying that he was always fascinated by the rich morality, cultures and traditions of China and India. "I've written countless superheroes of every nationality and every part of the world before, I've even created many heroes from other planets and galaxies, but Monkey Master will be unique in how it interweaves myth to create a modern day hero that will entertain fans across the world with his martial arts skills and unstoppable superpowers." Devarajan will also serve as producer for the adaptation, saying that he is excited about working with Woo to honour Lee's work.