A poster of The Monkey King 2 Photo: CFP

Sweeping the mainland box office with a record-breaking 1 billion yuan ($157.8 million) during the 2014 Chinese Lunar New Year, The Monkey King franchise is scheduled to return in February 2016 with The Monkey King 2, just in time for Chinese New Year celebrations.

Adapted from excerpts of the classic novel Journey to the West in which the Monkey King thrice defeats the Skeleton Demon to save his master, The Monkey King 2 features intense special effects and lots of comedic moments suitable for family viewing, according to the film's press conference on Thursday.

The character of the Skeleton Demon, played by famous actress Gong Li, is transformed from a cunning and cold-blooded demon as depicted in the original novel, into a more rich character who develops complicated relationships with the Four, the Tang Priest and his three disciples. Gong, who is well-known for her acting prowess, will depict the character from age 18 to 86.

The classic novel Journey to the West by Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) writer Wu Cheng'en can be said to be the most adapted novels today. It has adapted for the stage, films and videos, among others.

The animated film Monkey King: Hero Is Back, out since July, is already creating quite a stir. Combined with The Monkey King 2, the Monkey King franchise is in for an exciting new year at the box office.