The Rise of a New Animated Box Office Champion
When it comes to animated movies, few have managed to break through the global box office ceiling. While classics like Inside Out and The Lion King continue to captivate audiences, they haven’t reached the heights that one particular film has. In fact, the title of the highest-grossing animated movie is now held by an unexpected contender — a mischievous young boy from Chinese mythology.
This character, Ne Zha, has been part of numerous adaptations familiar to the Chinese diaspora. However, writer-director Jiaozi has reimagined the story in a way that has brought unprecedented success. His two fantasy action-adventure films have reintroduced Ne Zha as a reincarnated demon, capturing the attention of both domestic and international audiences.
Ne Zha 2, the sequel, became the first and only animated movie to cross the $2 billion mark at the global box office after its release in January. This achievement is even more impressive when considering that it also set records outside of the animation genre. In China, the film grossed $1.4 billion, making it the best-performing film in a single market. This surpasses the previous record holder, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which earned $936 million in the U.S. and Canada in 2015.
One of the most notable aspects of this success is how A24 secured the rights to rerelease the film. Not only did they acquire the rights, but they also produced a new English dub for the movie.
When Will Ne Zha 2 Be Released?
For those who are eager to see the film, the timing might come as a surprise. Ne Zha 2 originally premiered in China on January 29. It had a limited release in the U.S. on Valentine’s Day. However, A24 is now rereleasing a new English-dubbed version of the film on August 22. This rerelease will be available in theaters, including Imax screens and other premium formats, across the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Who Is in the A24 Cast?
A24 has assembled a strong cast for the English-language version of Ne Zha 2. Michelle Yeoh, an Oscar-winning actress, takes on the role of Lady Yin, the mother of the titular character. She replaces Stephanie Sheh, who voiced the character in previous versions. Other members of the English-language cast include Vincent Rodriguez III, Damien Haas, Aleks Le, and Crystal Lee.
What Happens in Ne Zha 2?
The sequel picks up right after the events of the 2019 film Ne Zha. In this installment, Ne Zha and his friend, the dragon prince Ao Bing, lose their physical forms. According to the official synopsis, Ne Zha faces an ancient force intent on destroying humanity and must grow up to become the hero the world needs. The trailer teases more magic, big battles, and plenty of characters from folklore. Additionally, Yeoh’s portrayal of a mother who can still embarrass her son with a simple request for a hug adds a heartfelt touch to the story.
Where Can I Watch the First Ne Zha?
If you're interested in watching the original Ne Zha before diving into the sequel, there are several options available. The film is free to stream on YouTube, the Roku Channel, Viki, and Tubi, though it may include ads. It is also available on Peacock and Apple TV+. For those who prefer to rent or purchase the film, platforms like Fandango at Home and Prime Video offer the option. If you have a preference between the English dub and the Chinese original with captions, make sure to specify during your search.
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