Stan Lee unveils India-China co-production 'Monkey Master'

Comic book legend Stan Lee has come out with his latest character named Monkey Master as part of a co-production between India and China.

Lee had created the character for "Monkey Master" with his long-time collaborator Sharad Devarajan.

Chinese film group Shinework Pictures announced a partnership with Lee's media company POW! Entertainment and Graphic India, to begin pre-production on a live-action Chinese theatrical film for "Monkey Master", read a statement.

The new superhero brings together two of the world's biggest film industries - Indian and Chinese - through interconnected legends.

Recently, Shinework announced its film fund and initial slate of projects, previously known for one of the biggest co-production films in China - "Kung Fu Yoga" starring Jackie Chan.

Lee says he has created a number of superheroes, but Monkey Master is very special as it weaves together Indian and Chinese culture.

"I have always been fascinated by the Chinese and Indian cultures which are so philosophical and rich in tradition and morality," said Lee, Chief Creative Officer at POW! Entertainment.

The 93-year-old added: "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 Chinese and Indian myth to create a hero that will entertain fans across the world with his martial arts skills and unstoppable superpowers."

Jonathan Shen, Founder and CEO of Shinework Pictures, said that the film will be for a global audience.

"We are excited to announce this partnership to leverage Lee's experience creating some of the world's most popular superhero characters to create an epic Chinese superhero film that will not only appeal to China but also globally to international markets," Shen said.

Graphic co-founder and CEO Devarajan, who also created "Chakra The Invincible", the first Indian superhero with Lee, said that the story will take place between ancient and modern day China and India.

Devarajan said: "'Monkey Master' is an epic superhero adventure that brings together China and India, two of the world's biggest film industries, through interconnected legends... The story will take place between ancient and modern day China and India as the myth of monkey warriors, known to both cultures come together in the creation of a modern day superhero."

Shinework Pictures has closed a co-production deal with India's Cinema Capital Advisory to co-produce the film.

The film will primarily be targeted towards the Chinese market, but will also be developed to appeal to international markets globally. The partners will look to cast leading Chinese, Indian and international stars.

--IANS

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