A24 Brings Chinese Blockbuster Ne Zha 2 to Western Theaters with Michelle Yeoh Leading Voice Cast

A24 and CMC Pictures have partnered to bring the English-language version of the Chinese animated blockbuster Ne Zha 2 to Western audiences. The film is set to release in theaters across the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand on August 22.

This strategic move marks a significant milestone in cross-cultural cinematic collaboration, introducing a major Chinese hit to English-speaking markets. The film originally gained widespread acclaim in China and is expected to attract global interest due to its mythological themes and high production quality.

Ne Zha 2 Breaks Records and Gains Global Appeal With Michelle Yeoh’s Support

Ne Zha 2 achieved unprecedented box office success, surpassing Pixar’s Inside Out 2 to become the highest-grossing animated film worldwide as of February, according to ticketing platform Maoyan. With a total revenue of 12.3 billion yuan (approximately $1.71 billion), including pre-sales and international earnings, the film now ranks as the eighth highest-grossing movie globally.

The overwhelming majority of this success came from mainland China, demonstrating the strong domestic appeal of locally produced animated films.

The English-language adaptation will feature Academy Award-winning actress Michelle Yeoh, whose involvement is expected to enhance the film’s appeal in international markets. In her statement, Yeoh expressed pride in contributing to a project that showcases the universality of storytelling through Chinese animation. Although additional cast members have yet to be revealed, her participation alone brings a level of recognition and prestige to the film’s Western debut.

Ancient Myths and Modern Heroism Bring Ne Zha to Global Film Audiences

The story of Ne Zha 2 is rooted in Chinese mythology, continuing the tale from the first 2019 film. It centers on Ne Zha, a powerful and rebellious child born to mortal parents, who is feared by the gods for his destructive potential. As an ancient force threatens humanity, Ne Zha must learn to harness his powers and fulfill his destiny as a hero. The narrative is adapted from the classic 16th-century Chinese novel The Investiture of the Gods, which blends folklore and fantasy in a way that resonates across cultures.

Directed and written by Yang Yu, who also created the original Ne Zha, the sequel is presented in IMAX and 3D formats to maximize its visual impact. With over 99% of its box office revenue generated within China, the international release presents a unique opportunity to expand the reach of Chinese animation. This effort by A24 and CMC Pictures reflects a growing trend of diversifying global film content and highlights the increasing recognition of non-Western stories in mainstream cinema.