The film features Prince Important, an effeminate character whose gender presentation is consistently used as a source of comedic ridicule. While not explicitly identified as LGBTQ+, his portrayal relies on stereotypes often directed at gay men, contributing to a negative and problematic depiction where effeminacy is mocked rather than affirmed or treated neutrally.

The film features Miss Duan, a powerful demon hunter, who repeatedly engages in and wins close-quarters physical combat against multiple male demons, demonstrating superior martial arts and strength.

The character Sha Wujing, canonically male in the original Journey to the West novel, is portrayed as a female fish demon in this film adaptation, constituting a gender swap.

The film ultimately champions Buddhist principles of compassion, self-sacrifice, and enlightenment as the true path to overcoming suffering and evil. While the protagonist's initial methods are comically flawed, the narrative affirms the profound power and wisdom of the Buddha and his teachings.