John Woo To Produce Live-Action Movie Based On Stan Lee's 'Monkey Master'

Chinese film director John Woo is all set to produce an action feature movie based on late Stan Lee's unreleased comic book titled "Monkey Master." The superhero comic series was created by Lee and his longtime collaborator Sharad Devarajan in 2016.

The story of "Monkey Master" revolves around New York City archeologist Li Yong, who visits India to find out about an ancient prophecy on the Monkey King and discovers a hidden power, which turns him into a superhero called The Monkey Master.

"I have always wanted to make a film based on the Monkey King story of China but have struggled with a new way to present it," Woo said as per Variety. "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 filmmaking - great characters, action, and adventure."

Lee discussed the unpublished comic book two years before his demise. "I have always been fascinated by the Chinese and Indian cultures which are so philosophical and rich in tradition and morality," Variety quoted him as saying.

Lee also proclaimed that "Monkey Master" will stand out even though he had already written countless superheroes of every nationality and every part of the world in the past. "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 super-powers," he explained.

Devarajan reflected on Lee's death and referred to him as the "most influential" creator.

"Stan Lee was a mentor and friend who was one of the most influential creators of the 20th century," Devarajan said as per IGN India. "His characters are the modern mythologies of our time, transcending nations and culture and speaking to us in the primal language of human imagination."

"I am so excited to work with John Woo [and producers] Lori Tilkin and Gill Champion to honor Stan's Monkey Master creation and bring this superhero to the screen the way he always intended," Devarajan added.

Devarajan and Lee had previously collaborated on "Chakra: The Invincible," which released in 2013 and helmed by Devarajan. Lee created tons of characters for the Marvel universe and beyond, which earned over $32 billion globally.

On the other hand, Woo is popularly known for his directorial movies "Face-Off" and "Mission Impossible 2."