Action star Donnie Yen will play the lead role in an IMAX 3-D fantasy film called "The Monkey King". Preparation for the project is underway in Beijing, Sina.com.cn reports.

Inspired by the classic epic novel "Journey to the West", the movie tells of the Monkey King's several adventures before he embarks on the journey escorting monk Xuanzang to the west.

Working on a budget of 300 million yuan (US$44.3 million), distributors of the film want to make it a monumental work.

Cheang Pou-Soi will direct the film. Other cast members are yet to be announced.

Filming is set to begin in October.