The record-breaking Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2 is getting an English-language version for theaters in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh will lead the voice cast in this new version. The movie will release on August 22 in IMAX, 3D, and other premium large formats.
This English version comes from a partnership between A24, the indie studio behind films like Everything Everywhere All at Once, and CMC Pictures, a major Chinese film distributor. The original Chinese version of Ne Zha 2 became the highest-grossing animated film ever with over $2.2 billion worldwide.
Ne Zha 2 Breaks Box Office Records
The original Chinese release of Ne Zha 2 opened during China’s Lunar New Year holiday on January 29, 2025. It quickly became a massive hit, surpassing Pixar’s Inside Out 2 ($1.7 billion) to become the top-grossing animated film globally. It now ranks as the fifth highest-grossing film of all time worldwide.
Most of the film’s earnings came from China, where it set records as the highest-grossing movie in a single territory, beating Star Wars: The Force Awakens in just 11 days. The film had a modest release in North America earlier this year, earning $20.8 million from the Chinese-language version.
“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,” said Michelle Yeoh. “Sharing this with audiences in English is such a joy, and I can’t wait for everyone to experience the wonder, heart, spectacular artistry, and magic of this film on the big screen.”
The Story Behind Ne Zha 2
Ne Zha 2 is the sequel to the 2019 hit Ne Zha, which was a modern take on Chinese mythology. Both films are directed by Yang Yu (also known as Jiaozi) and produced by Beijing Enlight Pictures. The story comes from a 16th-century Chinese novel called The Investiture of the Gods.
The film follows Ne Zha, a rebellious young demigod born to human parents. Feared by the gods for his wild powers, he must grow up to face an ancient force threatening humanity. In this sequel, Ne Zha and his friend Ao Bing survive a heavenly lightning strike but their bodies are damaged. A mystical figure named Taiyi Zhenren tries to rebuild their bodies using a magical seven-colored lotus.
Michelle Yeoh’s Role and English Version Details
While Michelle Yeoh’s exact character in the English version hasn’t been revealed, she will have a lead voice role. The English dub aims to introduce this Chinese blockbuster to wider Western audiences. The original Chinese version features voice actors Joseph Cao as Ne Zha and Mo Han as Ao Bing.
The film has received critical praise, becoming the highest-rated animated film of 2025 on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s also one of the top-rated films this year on Letterboxd. Reviewers have called it “animated cinema on a scale rarely seen” and “a technical marvel that demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible.”
A24 and CMC Pictures Partnership
This release marks an unusual collaboration between A24, known for artistic films like Past Lives and The Whale, and CMC Pictures, a Chinese state-backed distributor. CMC has brought many Chinese films to global audiences, including The Meg series and animated hits like Kung Fu Panda 3 through its sister company Pearl Studio.
The English version of Ne Zha 2 was first announced in April 2025 at the Beijing International Film Festival. The August 22 release will test whether Western audiences connect with this Chinese animated phenomenon. With its combination of mythological storytelling and cutting-edge animation, the film represents a major moment for Chinese cinema going global.
The Impact of Ne Zha 2
Ne Zha 2 has single-handedly revived the Chinese box office in 2025, accounting for about half of China’s $4.15 billion year-to-date earnings. Its success shows the growing power of Chinese animation on the world stage. The film was made on a budget of just $80 million, making its $2.2 billion earnings even more impressive.
Fans of the first Ne Zha film have eagerly awaited this sequel. The 2019 original was a cultural phenomenon in China and helped prove that Chinese animation could compete with Hollywood giants like Disney and Pixar. Now with Michelle Yeoh’s involvement and an English-language version, Ne Zha 2 aims to reach even more viewers worldwide.
The film’s blend of Chinese mythology with spectacular animation has won over audiences and critics alike. As it prepares for its English-language debut, Ne Zha 2 represents an important step in bringing Eastern storytelling to Western theaters. Its August release will show whether this Chinese animated record-breaker can find similar success with English-speaking audiences.
Credits: Variety, Deadline
