China's colossal animated spectacle, "Ne Zha 2," is set to conquer Europe. Trinity CineAsia, the esteemed distributor, has secured the theatrical rights from Beijing Enlight Media for an impressive 37 territories spanning the continent, encompassing powerhouses such as the U.K., Germany, France, Spain, and beyond. The film will make its grand debut in the U.K. and Ireland on March 21st, with eager fans able to catch previews from March 14th onward. The distributor promises that other European countries will swiftly follow suit.
"Ne Zha 2" has already etched its name as the highest-grossing animated film in cinematic history. Since its festive release during Chinese New Year in January, it has amassed a staggering $2.06 billion domestically in China. This astronomical figure positions it far ahead of Pixar's "Inside Out 2," which holds the second spot with $1.7 billion in global box office takings. In North America, "Ne Zha 2" premiered on February 14th and has garnered $18.8 million—a mere fraction compared to its Chinese tally but a remarkable feat for a Chinese blockbuster in the West.
"Ne Zha 2" weaves a captivating tale inspired by Chinese mythology and a renowned 16th-century novel. It serves as a sequel to China's previous top-earning animated film. The original "Ne Zha" (2019) portrayed its eponymous hero as an underdog, the reincarnation of a demon destined to transcend his fate and save his village. The sequel mirrors this thematic depth and narrative arc, with Ne Zha confronting fresh challenges as he battles the corrupt deities and demons ruling the heavens. Both installments were helmed by Yang Yu, affectionately known as Jiaozi, with Beijing Enlight sparing no expense on the sequel, reportedly deploying an astonishing 4,000 animators for this ambitious project.
"It's rare to encounter a film that truly encapsulates the spirit of its time, showcases the unparalleled power of cinema to captivate audiences, and leaves an indelible mark on culture—'Ne Zha 2' is precisely that," remarks Cedric Behrel, the managing director of Trinity CineAsia. The pan-European release of "Ne Zha 2" marks a significant leap in ambition for Trinity CineAsia, which recently distributed the Hong Kong action hit "Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In" in select European territories. Last year, the company also unveiled the critically acclaimed Chinese feature "Black Dog," which garnered the Un Certain Regard honor at the Cannes Film Festival.
"After years of nurturing the audience and forging relationships with exhibitors, press, and other stakeholders, coupled with our robust online presence, 'Ne Zha 2' signifies a milestone for Trinity CineAsia in terms of reaching the farthest corners of Europe and expanding our offerings to a vastly larger audience," Behrel adds.
