An English-language version of Ne Zha 2, the highest-grossing animated film of all time, is set to premiere in Australia on August 28, 2025. Originally released in January, the acclaimed Chinese fantasy film has grossed more than $1.9 billion (approximately $2.9 billion) at the global box office, solidifying its position as the highest-grossing non-English language film ever.
The sequel to the 2019 film Ne Zha follows the journey of a boy god from ancient Taoist scripture who battles dragons symbolizing evil forces. The film resonated strongly with audiences in China, becoming the first film to surpass $1 billion in a single territory. Its appeal extended globally, ranking as the third-highest film at the Australian box office upon its debut. By its second weekend, it had already amassed $5.22 million in revenue.
Michelle Yeoh Joins the Cast
Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh, known for her role in Everything Everywhere All At Once, will lend her voice to a lead character in the English-language adaptation. Yeoh expressed her excitement about participating in the project, stating, “I’m honoured 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.”
The new version will be showcased in premium formats, including IMAX and 3D, enhancing the visual experience for viewers.
Record-Breaking Success
Directed by Yang Yu, Ne Zha 2 not only outperformed other major sequels, such as Inside Out 2, which grossed over $1.6 billion globally, but also earned critical acclaim. It secured the title of the highest-rated animated film of the year on Rotten Tomatoes and appeared among the top-rated films of 2025 on Letterboxd.
The film’s success can be attributed to a combination of factors, including its emotional storytelling and stunning animation. Additionally, a strong sense of Chinese patriotism played a role in its box office performance. Social media campaigns encouraged fans to support the film by attending screenings multiple times. Local businesses, such as snacks manufacturer Weilong Food, even paused operations to take employees to see the film.
The animated feature was produced entirely in China over a remarkable five-year period, involving 138 animation companies and over 4,000 crew members, according to IndieWire. During its release, there were reports suggesting that audiences were encouraged to support Ne Zha 2 to counter the release of the Marvel film Captain America: Brave New World, with criticism of any dissent viewed as “unpatriotic.”
The English-language version of Ne Zha 2 is anticipated to reach a wider audience, further solidifying the film’s status as a global phenomenon. As the release date approaches, excitement continues to build among fans eager to experience this animated marvel in a new language.
