A gluttonous former heavenly marshal reincarnated as a pig-man, played by Zang Jinsheng .
The mischievous shapeshifter and master of 72 transformations, played by Wu Yue .
The television series, often referred to in Cambodia as "Moha Tep Smeu Mek Sun Wukong," remains a cornerstone of Asian fantasy television. Produced by the legendary Zhang Jizhong , this 66-episode adaptation was first broadcast in July 2011 and is celebrated for its commitment to the 16th-century classical novel by Wu Cheng’en. The Epic Tale: A Khmer Cultural Favorite
What sets the 2011 version apart is its high production value and innovative filming techniques. To move beyond traditional wire-work, the production team created specialized equipment allowing actors to rotate 360 degrees freely during combat. The show also utilized detailed prosthetic masks and practical effects, such as custom-built dragon heads and scorpion tails, to ground the fantasy elements in reality.