An English-language version of the record-breaking Chinese animated film “Ne Zha 2” is coming to theaters this summer from A24 and CMC Pictures, with Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh in the voice cast.
The English version of the global hit will premiere in the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand on Aug. 22 in Imax, 3D and other premium large formats. Written and directed by Yang Yu, “Ne Zha 2” follows a rebellious young boy, Ne Zha, who “is feared by the gods and born to mortal parents with wild, uncontrolled powers,” according to the film’s synopsis. “Now faced with an ancient force intent on destroying humanity, he must grow up to become the hero the world needs.”
“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,” Yeoh said in a statement, though her exact role remains under wraps. “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.”
After debuting in Chinese theaters on Jan. 29 during the Lunar New Year Holiday frame, “Ne Zha 2” shot to the top of the box office charts and become the highest-grossing animated film of all time, the highest-grossing non-English language film and the fifth highest-grossing film ever released. It’s current global gross is over $2.2 billion, on a budget of just $80 million. It surpassed 2015’s “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” as the highest-grossing movie in a single territory in just 11 days of release.
The news of the dubbed English version was revealed in April by CMC during the Beijing International Film Festival. The film’s original Chinese version released in North America alongside its bow in the Middle Kingdom in January. It collected $20.8 million during that release. A24 will be looking to add substantially to that number with the English dub.
After a modest 2024, the Chinese box office came roaring back this year, mainly because of ‘Ne Zha 2,” which has accounted for roughly half of the box office so far. China’s year‑to‑date cumulative box office now stands at $4.15 billion.
