Liu Dagang, Zhang Jinlai, Chi Chongrui and Ma Dehua (from left to right) played the classic scene of the real and fake Monkey Kings from the 1986 TV series. Photo provided to China Daily

At the beginning of this year, the museum invited Zhang to London and a professional team spent more than four hours taking measurements for Zhang's wax replica. It took about four months to finish the wax statue.

"It's like looking into the mirror. The expression in its eyes is very vivid. The team is very professional and took some of my advice, such as adding some hair on the hands," Zhang said.

He will play Monkey King in the 3-D movie Journey to the West co-produced by Paramount Pictures and three Chinese companies. It's based on the 1986 TV series. He said the movie will be a perfect combination of Western technology and Chinese culture. Monkey King's classic look and the spirit of the TV series won't change.

Related:

Original cast of Journey to the West to reunite in film

An uncomfortable new Journey to the West