The new film project “Journey to the West: Big Trouble” has just released its trailer and character posters, quickly capturing strong attention from Vietnamese movie fans. Moving away from the traditional pilgrimage story, the film surprises by sending the iconic Eastern mythological characters into the heart of modern-day Thailand.
The blend of classic elements with a bustling urban setting promises to shake up the box office this Children’s Day.
A unique time-travel twist in this “Thai Journey to the West”
“Journey to the West: Big Trouble” opens a brand-new chapter for the monk Tang Sanzang and his disciples. During a chaotic battle in the mythical world, Sun Wukong is suddenly sucked into a space-time rift. When he wakes up, he finds himself bewildered in contemporary Thailand.
Far from Flower-Fruit Mountain and his magical powers, the Great Sage must now face the challenge of urban life. A series of hilarious moments arise as he learns to navigate traffic, road rules, and the fast-paced lifestyle of humans, creating a constant source of laughter throughout the film.
Notably, the trailer also reveals a heartwarming bond between Sun Wukong and a group of local underprivileged children. Upon his strange arrival in the human world, the legendary figure is secretly cared for and protected by these kids from the adults.
This pure friendship, free of boundaries and differences, forms a special connection that brings both humor and warmth to the screen. By blending the signature comedic style of Thai cinema with a classic brand like Journey to the West, the film creates a fresh, relatable adventure for all audiences.
Mythology meets reality: A meaningful message through a child’s eyes
Beyond the laughs, the newly released character posters for “Journey to the West: Big Trouble” cleverly convey deep messages about family and connection. The mythological characters no longer stand on clouds but appear alongside famous cultural landmarks of the Land of Smiles.
Sun Wukong (played by Jazz Padung) stands proudly in front of the ancient Wat Arun temple by the picturesque Chao Phraya River. Meanwhile, Zhu Bajie (played by Nong Chusak) makes a humorous appearance beside the Giant Swing, an iconic landmark of Bangkok.
The character designs have been refined to be more approachable for children. Sun Wukong still wields his powerful Ruyi Jingu Bang staff, but his eyes soften from fierce to warm and expressive. Zhu Bajie’s famously chubby and adorable look is even more charming, easily winning the hearts of general audiences at first glance.
Box office guarantee from Thailand’s top stars
Before officially arriving in Vietnam, “Journey to the West: Big Trouble” has already proven its strong appeal by topping the box office in Thailand for two consecutive weeks. On Pantip forums and social media platforms, the film has received praise for the outstanding chemistry between the star comedians Jazz Padung and Nong Chusak.
Film site Trust News also applauds the movie, highlighting its clever shift in focus toward family themes. The mix of Nong Chusak’s deadpan humor and the film’s lighthearted, joyful atmosphere is the key to winning over even the most demanding viewers.
The movie is scheduled to premiere nationwide in Vietnam on May 29, 2026.