Toei Animation has detailed its upcoming 2D/3D hybrid film, Monkey Quest, which is targeting a 2027 release. The studio presented a preview of the project at the Annecy Festival. Studio SANZIGEN is handling the 3D animation elements.
The film, initially announced as a CG project titled Hypergalactic in February 2024, draws loose inspiration from the classic Chinese novel "Journey to the West." The narrative centers on 12-year-old Ellie and her younger brother Adam as they awaken the forgotten Earth protector Okon to confront the villainous Vex in an intergalactic conflict.
The voice cast features Adam Devine as Okon, Elsie Fisher as Ellie, and J.K. Simmons as Vex. The production boasts an international crew, with Naoto Oshima, known for designing Sonic the Hedgehog, co-creating the concept and characters alongside Joseph Chou. David N. Weiss is penning the script and co-directing with Stephanie Ma Stine and character designer Takao Noguchi. Yoshi Ikezawa is producing for Toei Animation, and Sunghoo Park (known for Jujutsu Kaisen) contributed storyboards and action sequences.
Currently in post-production, Monkey Quest is being distributed worldwide by Charades. Toei Animation has also been developing a connected universe of games, including a Roblox title, Hypergalactic: Monkey Quest, and has partnered with Spaceport Technologies for Fortnite integrations.
Source: Anime News Network(https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2026-06-27/toei-animation-details-2d-3d-hybrid-film-monkey-quest-for-2027/.239027)
