Chinese animation phenomenonNe Zha 2 is heading to global theaters with a star-powered English voice cast led by Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh. The film, which has already grossed over $2.2 billion, will hit screens in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand in premium formats this August.
A24 and CMC Pictures are teaming up to present the English-language version of Ne Zha 2, the highest-grossing animated film of all time, to international audiences. The dubbed version will debut in select countries on August 22, 2025, in IMAX, 3D, and other premium large formats, marking a significant step in the film’s global expansion strategy.
This release will not only bring the film to a wider audience but also offer a chance for viewers unfamiliar with Mandarin to engage with a cultural juggernaut that has shattered box office records and reinvigorated Chinese cinema.
A Myth Reimagined: The Story of Ne Zha 2
Directed by Yang Yu, also known by his pseudonym Jiaozi, Ne Zha 2 continues the journey of its titular hero—a fiery young demigod feared by gods and misunderstood by mortals. According to the official synopsis, Ne Zha is “born to mortal parents with wild, uncontrolled powers,” and must confront an ancient threat bent on destroying humanity. In the process, he’s forced to grapple with responsibility, identity, and his destiny as a hero.
This sequel builds on the 2019 hit Ne Zha, which grossed $720 million and introduced a new generation to Chinese mythological storytelling with a modern, CG-driven twist. The new film amplifies both the visual scale and emotional depth, blending fantasy action with heartfelt character arcs.
Michelle Yeoh Leads English Voice Cast
While her exact character remains under wraps, Michelle Yeoh expressed her excitement in joining the project, stating:
“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. 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.”
Yeoh’s involvement adds considerable prestige and global visibility to the film. The Academy Award-winning actress has recently become a prominent face in cross-cultural cinema, from Everything Everywhere All At Once to Disney’s Wicked and Netflix’s The Brothers Sun. Her inclusion signals a strong commitment by the distributors to bring top-tier talent to the dubbed version and elevate the film’s global resonance.
Further members of the English voice cast are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks, with insiders promising more “well-known names” to help broaden appeal beyond Chinese-speaking territories.
Box Office Records and Historic Achievements
Originally released in China on January 29, 2025, during the lucrative Lunar New Year window, Ne Zha 2 has been nothing short of a phenomenon. The film:
Grossed $2.2 billion globally on an $80 million budget
Became the highest-grossing animated film of all time, surpassing Frozen II
Overtook The Force Awakens to become the highest-grossing film in a single market (China) within just 11 days
Currently ranks as the fifth highest-grossing film in cinematic history, trailing only Titanic, Avatar, Avengers: Endgame, and Avatar: The Way of Water
Its impact on the domestic Chinese box office has been equally profound. After a relatively muted 2024, Chinese theaters have seen a massive resurgence in 2025, largely thanks to Ne Zha 2, which has accounted for nearly half of China’s box office revenue this year. As of July, China’s year-to-date total stands at $4.15 billion, with Ne Zha 2 leading the charge.
English Dub Unveiled at Beijing International Film Festival
The plan to roll out an English-language version was first unveiled in April 2025, during the Beijing International Film Festival. In a panel titled How High is the Ceiling for China’s Film Market?, Catherine Ying, president of CMC Pictures, emphasized the studio’s ambitions to expand the film’s global footprint.
“People are excited and happy to see Ne Zha 2. With the English version, we want that excitement to reach new audiences around the world,” Ying stated.
Notably, the original Mandarin version had already seen a limited release in North America back in January alongside its China debut, earning $20.8 million—an impressive haul for a subtitled animated film. A24 is expected to significantly boost those numbers with the upcoming English-dubbed release.
Can Ne Zha 2 Climb Higher?
As the English version prepares to hit theaters, box office watchers are eyeing one key milestone: Titanic’s $2.243 billion worldwide gross. If Ne Zha 2 can earn just over $43 million more, it will overtake Titanic to become the fourth-highest-grossing film of all time.
Given its new release markets and the involvement of global stars like Yeoh, that benchmark is well within reach.
Cultural Export with Mythical Might
The success of Ne Zha 2 not only marks a turning point for Chinese animation but also underscores a growing appetite for international stories told on a grand scale. With its mythological roots, dazzling visuals, and universal coming-of-age themes, the film holds a unique position in the global landscape.
Its upcoming English release might just be the catalyst that pushes it over the next record-breaking threshold—while introducing a new generation of viewers to the powerful lore of Chinese folklore.
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