Latest news with #YuYang
New York Times
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
‘Ne Zha 2,' Blockbuster Chinese Animated Film, Will Get English Version
An English-language version of the Chinese movie 'Ne Zha 2,' which has surpassed 'Inside Out 2' as the highest-grossing animated feature of all time, will be released in the United States next month. 'Ne Zha 2,' which is based loosely on Chinese mythology and a famous 16th-century novel, has made $2.2 billion at the global box office, including $20 million in the United States and Canada, according to A24, which is distributing the English version. That is more than any other animated film when not accounting for inflation; 'Inside Out 2' made $1.7 billion last year. The English version will open on Aug. 22 and feature the voice of Michelle Yeoh, the first Asian star to win best actress at the Academy Awards for her role in 'Everything Everywhere All at Once.' Yeoh will voice Ne Zha's mother. The movie will also feature Aleks Le, Crystal Lee and Vincent Rodriguez III. In the original 'Ne Zha,' which earned $726 million worldwide when it was released in 2019, Nezha is born as the reincarnation of a demon with supernatural powers who is destined to live only three years. He fights back against his fate and saves his village. In the sequel, written and directed by Yu Yang, Nezha challenges the political order and authority governing gods and demons, fighting the Dragon King of Four Seas and other creatures. The sequel was released in China in January and quickly became a smash hit, earning more than $1 billion in ticket sales in less than two weeks. 'Ne Zha 2' was the first non-Hollywood film to reach that milestone. Yeoh, who also plays Madame Morrible in the 'Wicked' movies, said in a statement that she was honored to be part of 'Ne Zha 2,' calling it a 'landmark in Chinese animation and a powerful reminder of how universal our stories can be.' 'I can't wait for everyone to experience the wonder, heart, spectacular artistry and magic of this film on the big screen,' she said. The success of 'Ne Zha 2' has been good news for the Chinese film industry, which was struggling with poor ticket sales amid a weakening economy. The recent films to break through in China have not been the typical Hollywood blockbuster, but domestic features with patriotic themes or those that showcase traditional Chinese culture or folklore.
CairoScene
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Chinese Animated Blockbuster 'Ne Zha 2' to Screen in Saudi Cinemas
After breaking USD 2 billion globally, Chinese animation blockbuster 'Ne Zha 2' is landing in Saudi cinemas starting June 23rd — distributed by CineWaves Films in Chinese, English, and Arabic. Animated blockbuster 'Ne Zha 2' is hitting Saudi cinemas on June 23rd, bringing one of China's biggest box office phenomena to the region. The film smashed records earlier this year, crossing USD 2 billion globally to become the highest-grossing Chinese animation of all time - and the first non-Hollywood film to reach that milestone. Directed by Yu Yang, 'Ne Zha 2' continues the story of the rebellious demon child from Chinese mythology, this time following him on a quest to save a lightning-struck friend by seeking out a powerful elixir. The film is packed with martial arts action, humour, and mythological world-building - just make sure to control the kids when they do pretend-kung fu out of the theatres. The film will be released across the Middle East and North Africa in Mandarin Chinese, English, and Arabic. The Arabic dub was overseen by Saudi animator Malik Nejer, best known for his work on 'Masameer County'. 'This film reflects our commitment to meaningful cultural exchange,' Faisal Baltyuor, chairman of CineWaves Films, tells SceneNowSaudi. 'After bringing Saudi films to China through events like Saudi Film Nights, we're proud to now introduce one of China's most successful films to Arab audiences. 'Ne Zha 2' is a visually rich adventure that we believe will resonate across the region.' The film is being brought to cinemas by CineWaves Films, the Saudi distributor that opened the first Arab cultural office in China and holds the largest library of Saudi films.
