A24 and CMC Pictures have joined forces to bring an English-language adaptation of "Ne Zha 2," the phenomenal Chinese animated box office smash, to theaters across North America this summer. This English version boasts Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh in a starring voice role, promising an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Scheduled to premiere in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand on August 22, the film will be shown in Imax, 3D, and other premium large formats. This release marks a rare collaborative venture between A24, renowned for its distinctive auteur-driven films such as "Uncut Gems," "Aftersun," and "Past Lives," and CMC Pictures, a Chinese state-supported entity that dominates the global distribution of China's most successful commercial cinema.
Earlier this year, during China's Lunar New Year holiday, "Ne Zha 2" emerged as the highest-grossing animated film of all time, amassing an astonishing $2.2 billion at the global box office. It surpassed Pixar's "Inside Out 2" ($1.7 billion) and stands as the fifth-highest-grossing film worldwide, with nearly all its earnings derived from mainland China.
Directed by Yang Yu (also known as Jiaozi), this highly anticipated sequel to the 2019 cultural phenomenon "Ne Zha" continues the saga of the rebellious young demigod. "Ne Zha," a modern reinterpretation of the mythological Chinese folk hero, marked a milestone for Chinese animation. "Ne Zha 2" builds upon this rich legacy, blending high-concept storytelling with even more breathtaking visual spectacles.
"I am honored to be part of 'Ne Zha 2,' a landmark in Chinese animation that powerfully underscores the universal appeal of our stories," Yeoh exclaimed in a statement. "Sharing this masterpiece with English-speaking audiences brings me immense joy, and I eagerly anticipate everyone experiencing the wonder, heart, spectacular artistry, and magic of this film on the silver screen."
The franchise chronicles the journey of the rebellious young demigod Ne Zha, born to mortal parents and feared by the heavens. As he grapples with immense powers and a destiny to confront an ancient force bent on humanity's destruction, Ne Zha's tale captivates audiences worldwide.
Already a beloved global hit in its original Chinese-language release, "Ne Zha 2" ranks as the highest-rated animated film of the year on Rotten Tomatoes and stands among 2025's top-rated titles on Letterboxd.
The partnership between A24 and CMC Pictures will serve as a litmus test for the U.S. market's reception to Chinese storytelling, as well as the strategic potential of crossover animation when backed by a potent combination of talent and scale.
