Veteran Chinese actor Liu Xiao Ling Tong, a.k.a. Zhang Jinlai, told a press conference at the Fifth Chinese National Cultural Industry Development Forum that he will fly to the United States next month to discuss a film adaptation of the Chinese classic "Journey to the West", the Beijing Times reported.

Zhang said that he will talk to Hollywood moguls James Cameron and Steven Spielberg about the project.

Zhang is a household name in China for his vivid portrayal of "Monkey King" Sun Wukong in the 1986's TV series "Journey to the West."

The 53-year-old actor told reporters that the film project has been in the pipeline for more than five years, although he expressed his sense of dissatisfaction with the efforts of domestic script writers.

"Some scripts are ridiculous! I want to find an American script writer to rewrite it," he said, explaining that he wanted a script with a more international flavor and appeal." I will also approach James Cameron and Steven Spielberg and ask them to front the project," he added, concluding that he hoped the film would be finished next year.

Zhang said there was a possibility the film could be shot in 3D format, but he emphasized that the most task is to retain the essential aspect of Chinese culture, which is the story's foundation.

Zhang said that he would star in the new film, despite of his age. "I'm still working on my Kung Fu and performance," he said, adding that some of the film's other roles could be filled by an international cast. "For me, it is okay if an Indian actor plays the Buddha," he said.

The 16th-century fantasy novel "Journey to the West", written by Wu Chen'en, is one of China's four great literary masterpieces, and there have been many Asian film and TV adaptations of the classic story. The 1986 TV version in which Zhang starred is still the most popular adaptation among Chinese viewers.

Zhang Jinlai also said that he would continue to advocate a "Journey to the West" theme park. "If China can build Disneyland, why can't it also build a 'Journey to the West' theme park? I will urge relevant parties to materialize it soon,” he said.

The Fifth Chinese National Cultural Industry Development Forum will be held in Beijing on June 29.

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