First look at Monkey (Magic) revamp divides fans
Updated
The trailer for The New Legends of Monkey has been released and fans of the much loved original Monkey (Magic) are divided.
While some are keen so see the new take on the '80s classic, others have strong opinions that if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
The accents in particular have caused a stir.
"Pigsy is a Kiwi!" Robert Dart wrote on Facebook.
The new series is filmed in New Zealand and stars Kiwi and Australian actors.
The trailer reveals some characters have American accents, which according to fans on Facebook, does not fit with the Chinese fable.
"Monkey used to be unique and comical due to the Asian performances and the Asian productions values," Liam Roper wrote on Facebook.
"Its the accents that ruin it for me," Barbara Clifford wrote.
John Baker said: "I hope they can capture the comic essence of the old Monkey. The American accents are a worry. Will be sad if this project fails but they have big shoes to fill."
Modern take lacks magic, fans say
If the trailer is anything to go by, the new series has been adapted for a modern audience.
While the move appears to have put some off, others are keen to see how the a new generations take to Monkey.
"I watched the original as a kid and loved it," Cherie Grant wrote.
"I'm not sure this is capturing the essence of that show. It feels too modern for my tastes."
Others were more open to the changes.
"Could be good. Could be awful but more importantly it might get a whole new generation to check out the original," Asha Poppy wrote.
The New Legends of Monkey will air on ABC ME January 28.
Topics: arts-and-entertainment, television, popular-culture, new-zealand
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