When Ne Zha II opened in China over Lunar New Year, the response was immediate and overwhelming. Families packed cinemas, word of mouth spread fast, and within weeks the film had earned more than $2.2 billion. That figure makes it the biggest animated movie ever released, surpassing even Disney and Pixar at their peak.
Now the blockbuster is heading west. Thanks to A24 and CMC Pictures, Ne Zha II returned to theaters in the U.S. and Canada on August 22, complete with an English-language dub and IMAX rollout.
Michelle Yeoh Lends Her Voice
One of the new voices belongs to Michelle Yeoh, who plays Ne Zha’s mother in the English version. Yeoh, never shy about advocating for Asian storytelling, called the film “a tribute to Chinese mythology” and a chance for global audiences to see a different kind of hero.
Her casting also gives the movie a familiar face for American audiences who might not otherwise buy a ticket to a Chinese-language animated epic.
The Look and the Feel
Visually, Ne Zha II is a leap forward for Chinese animation. The movie combines photorealistic battle sequences with brush-stroke inspired effects that recall traditional ink painting. Reviewers have been impressed by its scale and ambition, though some admit the plot—rooted in centuries-old mythology—can feel heavy for newcomers.
Still, audiences have responded with near-unanimous enthusiasm. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 96% critic rating and an astonishing 99% from viewers.
More Than a Sequel
The first Ne Zha was a surprise hit in 2019. This sequel is something else entirely: a global statement from China’s film industry. Animated blockbusters have long been dominated by American studios, but Ne Zha II shows there’s space for stories told with a different cultural lens.
Waiting for Streaming
The film began streaming in China earlier this month, but an international streaming release hasn’t been set. For now, audiences outside Asia will need to catch it in theaters if they want to see what all the excitement is about.
Whether it dominates U.S. box offices or not, Ne Zha II has already left its mark. It’s a reminder that folklore doesn’t need translation to hit hard—sometimes the spectacle speaks for itself.
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