Sun Wukong, better known as The Monkey King, is a supporting character in the Disney+ series American Born Chinese.
Background[]
In traditional tellings, Sun Wukong is a monkey that was born from a giant stone atop a mountain that was struck by lightning. He manages to claim rulership over the other monkeys and sets out to become stronger, acquiring his famous size altering bo staff and magic flying cloud. Sun Wukong later attacked the Gods in heaven, only to be imprisoned under a mountain for several years. The young monk Tripitaka is tasked with journeying to the west where he has Sun Wukong accompany him, on the condition that he wear a headband that tightens should he disobey Tripitaka.
The rest of the story has the two later coming into contact with Zhu Bajie, better known as Pigsy, and Sha Wujing, better known as Sandy, as they come across other supernatural threats and creatures, many of which involve Sun Wukong's companions getting caught in odd or strange situations and him having to get them out using his clever thinking and skillset. At the end of the journey, Sun Wukong successfully gains immortality and enlightenment.
Personality[]
Sun Wukong is portrayed as being strict and responsible about his duties as the Great Sage. In his youth, he was rebellious and extroverted, using his skills of manipulation to get to what he wanted. As he grew up and became a father, these traits became less obvious and he became more stern. However, he is shown to be a reasonable and caring person. He has a great love for his son Wei-Chen and understands quickly that he is growing up to be like him. He is also willing to put a lot of faith and trust in him and is shown to be accepting towards Jin Wang as his guide.
Physical appearance[]
Sun Wukong resembles an adult Chinese man with long black hair and an under beard, giving him the slight distinctive appearance of an East Asian primate. This is made much more apparent when his hair turns golden yellow and becomes thicker to the point that he has hair on his hands as well. His uniform resembles traditional royal Chinese robes that are black with gold accents and lace.
Powers and abilities[]
Sun Wukong is a skilled martial artist who has had centuries of practice to become the best fighter. This, accompanied by his magical size altering bo staff, called the Ruyi Jingu Bang, makes him an expert and well-experienced fighter. He also has the ability to shapeshift into anything such as a small insect, but usually uses it to hide his identity as the Monkey King when traversing the mortal world. Additionally, he appears to have enhanced durability as he was able to survive a dangerous stab in the stomach and was able to heal quickly from it.
Other appearances[]
Sun Wukong at Epcot's Festival of the Holidays
It's a Small World[]
Prior to appearing in American Born Chinese, the Monkey King made his debut in the Magic Kingdom version of It's a Small World. A kite depicting an illustration of the Monkey King can be found in the Asia area in the section representing China where he is depicted equipped with a staff surrounded by a clouds and a blue sky in the background.
Epcot[]
For years, the Monkey King has been one of the international holiday characters featured in Epcot's Festival of the Holidays, making appearances at the China Pavilion to tell guests his story.
Mystic Manor[]
- Main article: Monkey King Statue
A variation of the character appeared in the theme park attraction Mystic Manor as a statue. Here, he is considered the "antagonist" of the ride.
Trivia[]
- In the original graphic novel, Sun Wukong was unhappy with being a monkey and tried to change his appearance. After an interaction with Tze-Yo-Tzuh (the Christian influenced version of Buddha), he is taught humility and sent on a mission to train Lai-Tsao (the graphic novel's version of Tripitaka). When Jin Wang changes into a white boy named Danny, Monkey King visits him as the stereotypically racist Chin-Kee to remind him to embrace his Chinese heritage and rise above how people view him.
- Sun Wukong has a habit of scratching his head. This is a nod to the typical portrayal of the character, based on behavior of actual monkeys.
Gallery[]
External links[]
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