The studio aims to use artificial intelligence to create an entire TV production from the ground up, without disclosong any writers, actors, directors, or traditional creative talent attached to the project.
Chinese production giant Huace has announced plans to develop what is being billed as a fully AI-generated television series based on "Journey to the West," one of the most influential works in Chinese literary history.
The project, titled “The Lost Five Hundred Years,” is being developed in partnership with AI company Utopai Studios and will reportedly use the firm's proprietary AI storytelling platform to generate the series. According to the companies, the show will tell an original story exploring the origins of the Monkey King, Sun Wukong, before the events of the centuries-old classic that remains one of China's most celebrated cultural works.
The announcement marks one of the most ambitious attempts yet to use artificial intelligence to create an entire television production from the ground up. Neither company disclosed any writers, actors, directors, or traditional creative talent attached to the project, per Variety. Executives promoted the ability of artificial intelligence to generate stories, maintain continuity, and expand intellectual property at a scale that would have previously been impossible. Huace Group CEO Binxing Fu likewise celebrated the prospect of an AI adaption of the story: "[with a] fully AI-generated animated format... our goal is to help catalyze a ‘Claude Code moment’ for media generation."
The announcement provoked a discussion online, with one X user warning, "If they couldn't be bothered to make it, why should we watch it? ... China is so willing to kill its own workforce."
https://twitter.com/Paladinoffyr/status/2069047954489381216
Animator Kai Laigo disagreed, sharing on X: "Glad to see other sane animators going the full-AI route. It only makes sense."
The announcement arrives as entertainment executives increasingly look toward artificial intelligence as a potential replacement for portions of the traditional filmmaking process.
In Hollywood, fears over AI helped fuel the recent writers' and actors' strikes. Utopai has confirmed that the series will serve as the foundation of a larger franchise spanning television, streaming, and theatrical releases.
Libby’s Desk
Commentary and must-reads from Libby’s desk, straight to your inbox.
TPM Newsletter
The Post Millennial’s top stories, delivered to your inbox.
