A new trailer has dropped for Ne Zha 2, the Chinese animated phenomenon that’s taken the global box office by storm — and soon, American audiences will get their turn. With a jaw-dropping $2.2 billion already banked worldwide, Ne Zha 2 stands tall as the highest-grossing animated film of all time, surpassing every Disney and Pixar release in the history of animation.
Now, with an English-language version premiering on August 22, complete with IMAX, 3D, and premium format screenings, Ne Zha 2 is poised to further expand its legendary run — and perhaps climb even higher on the all-time box office charts.
A Landmark in Global Animation
Released earlier this year in China, Ne Zha 2 has quietly become a cultural juggernaut. Directed by Yang Yu, the sequel builds on the mythological lore of the original 2019 hit while upping the stakes, scope, and visual splendor. The story follows Ne Zha — the mischievous, godlike boy caught between the mortal and divine realms — as he faces a new apocalyptic threat that could destroy the world.
The film has earned widespread critical praise, holding a 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and has been lauded for its rich storytelling, philosophical themes, and stunning animation that rivals anything produced in Hollywood.
Already ranked #5 among the highest-grossing films of all time, Ne Zha 2 trails only global titans like Avatar, Avengers: Endgame, Avatar: The Way of Water, and Titanic. To put its success in perspective, Disney’s 2025 animated entry, Lilo & Stitch, has earned $974 million — less than half of Ne Zha 2’s global total.
Michelle Yeoh Leads the English Voice Cast
Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh headlines the English-language version of Ne Zha 2, lending her voice and star power to the film’s international rollout. Fresh off her critically acclaimed performance in Everything Everywhere All At Once, Yeoh called the film “a powerful reminder of how universal our stories can be.”
“I’m honored to be part of Ne Zha 2, a landmark in Chinese animation,” Yeoh said in a statement. “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 English-dubbed version is being distributed by A24 and CMC Pictures, marking a rare collaboration for an international animated feature of this magnitude. Additional voice cast members are expected to be announced soon, building excitement for the film’s Western debut.
A24’s Big Animated Bet
While A24 is best known for indie hits like Hereditary and Uncut Gems, its move to distribute Ne Zha 2 signals a bold expansion into global animation. The studio’s strategy is clear: capitalize on the film’s international success and growing demand for mythologically rich, non-Western storytelling.
The release is also perfectly timed. With Ne Zha 2 already dominating the global box office and word-of-mouth continuing to build, the English-language version could enjoy a late-summer surge, especially in IMAX and 3D showings that highlight its visual grandeur.
Final Thoughts
With its upcoming August 22 release in North America, Australia, and New Zealand, Ne Zha 2 is no longer just a Chinese hit — it’s a full-blown global event. Bolstered by critical acclaim, record-smashing revenue, and the international appeal of Michelle Yeoh, the film is set to challenge how audiences view animated storytelling from outside Hollywood.
In a summer packed with sequels and franchise fatigue, Ne Zha 2 might just be the most original, emotional, and visually spectacular animated adventure of the year — and its journey is only just beginning.
