Toei Targets a Blockbuster with U.S.-Japan Co-Production ‘Monkey Quest’

Monkey Quest is a Toei Animation feature in which two siblings searching for their missing parents awaken Okon, Earth’s long-forgotten protector. Lionsgate is set to support a wide U.S. theatrical rel

*Monkey Quest* is a feature-length sci-fi action adventure from Toei Animation that begins when a girl named Elle and her younger brother awaken Okon, an ancient guardian of Earth, while searching for their missing parents. Okon is a powerful monkey guardian voiced by Adam Devine, and the three continue their journey as they face unfamiliar threats. Lionsgate is supporting the film’s U.S. theatrical distribution and marketing, and its wide U.S. release is scheduled for 2027. An exact release date has not yet been announced.

Another Dimension Where 2D Meets 3D

The production approach introduced at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival’s WIP is to layer hand-drawn 2D animation over 3D CG. The plan is to use 2D imagery for elements from the other dimension Okon comes from, making it a distinction between worlds rather than a simple textural effect. Toei Animation explained that the final act shifts into Japanese anime-style fight sequences, combining CG with the studio’s own animation aesthetic.

A Cosmic Reimagining of Journey to the West

The original story was developed with Naoto Oshima, known as the character designer for *Sonic the Hedgehog*, and Joseph Chou. David N. Weiss directs, with Stephanie Ma Stine and Takao Noguchi serving as co-directors. The voice cast also includes Auliʻi Cravalho, J.K. Simmons, Sam Richardson, Skyler Astin, Anna Chlumsky, and Jonathan Kite.