LEGO has now officially launched its latest themed sets centered on Chinese folklore and culture. Directly inspired by the classic story Journey to the West, the LEGO Monkie Kid is LEGO’s modern twist to the iconic story of the Monkey King’s legendary tale.
As early as March, rumors have been circulating regarding this theme, with snippets of images (aka leaks) being shared over social media. Truth be told, the theme looks promising, especially with its colorful new characters and builds having a sort of a revamped LEGO Ninjago vibe.
The LEGO Monkie Kid sets will have a worldwide release on LEGO Shop@Home on May 16, with an early release date of May 15, today, in LEGO Stores and LEGOLAND, and LEGOLAND Discovery Centers in Mainland China, Singapore, Malaysia, and Hongkong.
Read the LEGO Group’s full press release below and of course, tons of crisp, official images! They’re still yet to be listed at LEGO Shop@Home so I suggest you keep them under your radar.
LEGO® Monkie Kid™ – a new hero is born, a new story is waiting to unfold
The LEGO Group’s first-ever Chinese inspired theme sees the legend of the Monkey King from the classic Journey to the West novel reimagined in LEGO sets and minifigures
[May 15th, 2020] Inspired by the 500-year-old story of the Monkey King, LEGO Monkie Kid is the LEGO Group’s take on a new, untold chapter of the legendary tale. Featuring eight exciting sets, an animated mini movie and TV series, LEGO Monkie Kid is the first ever LEGO theme to be inspired by a Chinese legend and is rooted firmly in the country’s culture and values. The theme’s sets are packed with fun, excitement and an epic story just waiting to unfold…
The tale begins when an ordinary boy, Monkie Kid, finds Monkey King’s legendary staff and he becomes the chosen one. Together with his brave and loyal friends, Monkie Kid begins his quest to stop the Demon Bull King and his army of Bull Clones from taking over the city.
Paying tribute to stories known and admired by so many children and parents in China and Asia, this latest LEGO play theme brings new life to the iconic Monkey King fable and provides a common ground for children, parents and grandparents to build and play together.
“I am super excited about the launch of LEGO Monkie Kid. This fantastic new play theme is deeply inspired by Chinese culture and built on an esteemed story that is treasured by all generations. We know kids will be delighted by the world of LEGO Monkie Kid, and I can’t wait to see how they immerse themselves in building, role playing and creating new stories through this theme. This is a very exciting innovation for the LEGO brand and one that demonstrates our commitment to building a strong future in China,” says Julia Goldin, Chief Marketing Officer at the LEGO Group.
With a modern Chinese twist, LEGO Monkie Kid celebrates bravery and friendship and lets children engage in great building experiences whilst helping them to develop their imagination and creativity. Paul Huang, General Manager of LEGO China, says: “The launch of Monkie Kid is another important milestone in our journey to provide the creative LEGO play experience to many more Chinese children. Deeply rooted in Chinese culture, the new theme line is created with inspiration from China, for China, and at the same time empowers children around the world to be brave, resilient and optimistic through creative play with LEGO bricks.”
Children can look forward to eight action-packed sets with colourful characters, impressive vehicles with exciting new and hidden features – plus a blue cat with an orange mohawk! The sets are a result of two years of close collaboration with children and parents in China to ensure they are authentic to local culture. Never before has the LEGO Group launched a theme inspired by one culture and with so much attention to local details, values and traits.
“I have been touched and inspired by China’s rich history and culture, the passion and pride of the people and the incredible creativity of China. It has been an honour and privilege to be able to immerse myself in China’s culture of storytelling, in particular – Journey to the West and the Monkey King. The epic stories and incredible characters have been a huge inspiration to the LEGO design team and me. It is with deepest respect for Chinese culture and the 500-year-old legend that we have created the next chapter in the story of the Monkey King – The Monkie Kid,” says Simon Lucas, Senior Design Director at the LEGO Group.
LEGO Monkie Kid will launch on May 16th on LEGO.com, in LEGO stores*, LEGOLAND and LEGOLAND Discovery Centers with early access for:
- China mainland from May 15th in LEGO stores, LEGOLAND Discovery Centers, and TMall Flagship stores only.
- Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong from May 15th in LEGO stores, and LEGOLAND Discovery Centers only.
- In markets still under COVID-19 government regulations, our LEGO stores will remain closed until government guidelines change. Some LEGO stores are reopening. To find out if a LEGO store is open, please reach out to LEGO Customer Service: https://www.LEGO.com/service/
White Dragon Horse Bike (80006)
259 pieces | RRP: CNY 299,00/EUR 29,99/USD 34,99
Iron Bull Tank (80007)
430 pieces | RRP: CNY 449,00/EUR 44,99/USD 49,99
Monkie Kid’s Cloud Jet (80008)
529 pieces | RRP: CNY 499,00/EUR 49,99/USD 59,99
Pigsy’s Food Truck (80009)
832 pieces | RRP: CNY 599,00/EUR 59,99/USD 69,99
Demon Bull King (80010)
1,051 pieces | RRP: CNY 799,00/EUR 79,99/USD 89,99
Red Son’s Inferno Truck (80011)
1,111 pieces | RRP: CNY 999,00/EUR 99,99/USD 119,99
Monkey King Warrior Mech (80012)
1,629 pieces | RRP: CNY 1.299,00/EUR 129,00/USD 149,99
Monkie Kid’s Team Secret HQ (80013)
1,959 pieces | RRP: CNY 1.599,00/EUR 169,99/USD 169,99
