Suzhou-based animation studio Mili Pictures has announced a partnership with Emmy-winning producer Bill Borden for the international adaptation and direct-to-television/streaming distribution of their upcoming animated action-adventure comedy feature, Wukong Warrior. Combining Chinese animation artistry with Hollywood know-how, the collaboration aims to deliver the classic story of the Monkey King to global TV and streaming audiences outside of China.
Borden — the producer behind Disney’s $4 billion High School Musical franchise — is now spearheading the adaptation of Wukong Warrior for international television and streaming markets through his partnership with Summit International Pictures. While prioritizing digital and linear platforms, the producers have not ruled out potential limited theatrical runs in the U.S. and other markets.
Wukong Warrior reimagines the classic Chinese tale of Sun Wukong, the rebellious stone-born warrior with cosmic powers who defies the gods themselves. After being imprisoned beneath a mountain for 500 years as punishment for his arrogance, Sun Wukong is given one final chance at redemption: protecting a Buddhist monk on a dangerous journey across monster-infested mythical land to retrieve sacred scriptures from India.
The epic adventure follows Sun Wukong as he teams up with a comically greedy pig-warrior, a sorrowful river demon, and a talking horse with mysterious origins — an unlikely and misfit band of companions. The producers describe the story as an action-packed kung-fu spectacle with plenty of humor for both kids and adults.
The first of a planned three-film saga from Mili Pictures, Wukong Warrior hits Chinese theaters in September 2025, with international buyers getting their first look at MIPJunior and MIPCOM, October 11-16 in Cannes.
“I’m incredibly excited to be working with the team at Mili, which has big ambitions backed by great artists and strong resources,” said Borden, whose credits also include Stephen Chow’s Kung Fu Hustle, Spike Lee’s Get on the Bus, Disney’s Meet the Robinsons and Mission: Impossible 3. “When I first saw their animation for their first film Dragon Nest a little over a decade ago, I remember being blown away by the artistic quality. It has been great seeing the studio grow and evolve. There is still huge potential for Chinese animation outside of China. Here, we have a story steeped in classic Chinese folklore told with heart, humor and adventure with the sensibilities that will appeal to audiences worldwide.”
Founded in 2012 by animators with experience in commercials, short films and theme park attractions, Mili Pictures secured backing from Shanda, China’s largest online game operator. Their previous releases, including Dragon Nest: Warriors’ Dawn and Throne of Elves, have achieved wide release and strong reception in Greater China.
“We feel there is great potential in making family entertainment that can travel all over the world,” said Jack Zhang, chairman of Mili Pictures. “With the stunning quality of Mili’s animation and Hollywood experience in storytelling, we think we offer something very special. It’s great to be working with Bill Borden on reversioning our film for the world outside of Greater China.”
Bolstering Borden and Mili’s latest collaboration is Summit International. Headed by Nan Yao and based in California, the company specializes in representing films and intellectual property from Greater China for global audiences, working with studios, filmmakers and IP owners to maximize content’s commercial potential worldwide through strategic partnerships and targeted distribution approaches.
Adding further strength to the international distribution team, Disney Media Distribution veteran Todd Barasch has joined Summit International to oversee licensing of Wukong Warrior for the world outside of China. Barasch, who most recently worked with L.A.-based producer/distributor Happy Accidents, brings extensive experience in global content distribution to the project.
