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Netflix under fire for whitewashing after remaking Monkey with non-Chinese cast

Slammed... Netflix is being harangued for remaking Monkey without any Chinese stars - Credit: Netflix
Slammed… Netflix is being harangued for remaking Monkey without any Chinese stars – Credit: Netflix

Netflix is the latest producer to be accused of whitewashing, for remaking the ancient Chinese tale of ‘Journey To The West’ – also known as ‘Monkey’ – without using a single Chinese actor.

New series ‘Legend of the Monkey’, an Australian/New Zealand co-production, stars Thai-born actor Chai Hansen in the lead role, with Josh Thomson playing Pigsy, Emilie Cocquerel playing Sandy, and Luciane Buchanan playing Tripitaka.

But as none are Chinese, things have got a little heated.

‘Journey To The West’ was published in the 16th century, thought to have been written by Ming dynasty poet and author Wu Cheng’en, and is considered one of the four great classical novels in Chinese literature.

It follows the travels of a Buddhist monk, who is accompanied by three fallen gods – a monkey king, a half-man half-pig and an exiled general called Sandy.

Though it is frequently re-adapted for TV and film in China, it is perhaps best known thanks to the 70s and 80s TV series known as ‘Monkey’.

Sold around the world, its surreal storylines ensured that it fast became a cult classic.

However, it’s worth noting that that show also failed to employ any Chinese actors, with its cast being entirely Japanese.

It comes after other recent, high-profile accusations of whitewashing, notably Scarlett Johansson’s casting in the remake of ‘Ghost In The Shell’, and Matt Damon in ‘The Great Wall’.

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