Ne Zha 2 goes from home triumph to global quest

BEIJING — After shattering virtually every box-office record in Chinese film history, Ne Zha 2 has grossed 15.44 billion yuan ($2.13 billion) with 324 million admissions, making it the most-watched and highest-grossing film ever in China, according to ticketing platform Maoyan.

With its domestic run complete, the animated phenomenon is now gearing up for a global rollout. Its English-language version is set to hit theaters, as announced on July 9.

A24 and CMC Pictures are teaming up to bring an English-language version of the film to theaters in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand on Aug 22, the companies say.

The English-language cast will include Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh. No additional voice actors have been announced so far.

"I'm honored to be part of Ne Zha 2, a landmark in Chinese animation and a powerful reminder of how universal our stories can be," the Malaysian actor said in a statement.

A sequel to the 2019 hit Ne Zha, the new installment has not only outshone its predecessor but also outperformed nearly every cinematic rival since its release on Jan 29, coinciding with Chinese New Year.

Ne Zha 2 ranks among the five highest-grossing films of all time globally.

Combining mythological storytelling with cutting-edge animation and emotional nuance, the film has become a cultural phenomenon in China and, increasingly, abroad. In a recent investor update, production company Enlight Media mentioned about the newly produced English-dubbed version; and the film has already been screened in over 30 countries and regions, primarily in its original Chinese audio with localized subtitles, including more than a dozen in Europe.

Yin Hong, vice-chairman of the China Film Association, called the film "a milestone for Chinese animation", saying that "it demonstrates the vitality of China's creative industries, the enduring appeal of its cultural heritage, and the global potential of its storytelling".

What began as a retelling of a rebellious boy-god from Chinese mythology has blossomed into a contemporary saga that resonates across age groups and cultures. While rooted in ancient lore, the film explores modern themes such as destiny, social prejudice and identity, earning praise from both teenage fans seeking empowerment and older viewers drawn to its emotional catharsis.

"I believe that one day, new ideas, deeper meanings and new souls will emerge from the film, and the whole world will be able to appreciate it," says director Yang Yu, also known as Jiaozi.

On the technical front, the film is a marvel, too. Featuring nearly 2,000 special effects shots and the joint efforts of over 130 animation studios, the film sets a new bar for Chinese animation quality.

At the 2025 Shanghai International Film Festival in June, Enlight Media chairman Wang Changtian predicted the film's overseas box office could set a record for a Chinese film abroad that may stand for two decades.

Enlight Media has stated that merchandise related to the film now spans more than 30 categories and offers over 200 products, including blind boxes, plush toys, action figures, and more.

The film's success has been a boon for China's movie theaters. A cinema in Wangjing area in Beijing's Chaoyang District credited Ne Zha 2 with generating 40 percent of its revenue over the past five months. "Without it, we might still be struggling to find our footing," the theater, which opened in mid-January, said in a WeChat post earlier.

Meanwhile, anticipation is building up for a third installment in the movie series. Responding to investor inquiries earlier this month, Enlight Media stated that Ne Zha 3 will be held to even higher standards. "We will take great care to meet audience expectations," the company said.

As China redefines its cultural presence on the world stage, Ne Zha 2 stands as both a commercial juggernaut and a symbol of creative ambition. "It's a miracle and a peak in Chinese cinema," says Chen Xuguang, director of the Institute of Film, Television, and Theatre at Peking University. "A record that may remain unbroken for a long time."

Xinhua / Reuters