Ne Zha 2 Made $2 Billion — Here's When You Can Watch It in English
After smashing box office records in China earlier this year, Ne Zha 2 is finally coming to English-speaking theaters — and this time, with some serious star power behind the dub.
Michelle Yeoh will lead the English-language version of the film, set to hit theaters in North America, Australia, and New Zealand on August 30, 2025. The rerelease is being handled by A24 in partnership with CMC Pictures, marking the film's official expansion into Western markets following its massive success in Asia.
Yeoh said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter:
"I'm honored 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."
Directed by Yang Yu (also known as Jiaozi), Ne Zha 2 originally premiered in China on January 29, 2025, during Lunar New Year. It quickly broke records and became a global animation juggernaut.
Here's what the numbers look like:
- $2.2 billion global box office
- $2 billion from China alone
- Highest-grossing animated film ever
- Top-grossing non-English-language film
- Fifth highest-grossing film of all time
- Surpassed Star Wars: The Force Awakens in China within just 11 days
The original Ne Zha, released in 2019, was a surprise hit that reimagined the mythological figure in a modern animated style. The sequel picks up where the first left off, continuing the story of Ne Zha and Ao Bing as their fates become literally intertwined.
The English-language rerelease was first announced in April at the Beijing International Film Festival, where CMC confirmed its plans to bring the film back to theaters for a broader international run. While Michelle Yeoh's exact role in the dub hasn't been revealed yet, her involvement alone is expected to draw a much wider audience.
For context, Ne Zha 2 made $20.8 million during its initial North American release, without the benefit of an English dub. The new version is expected to build on that performance and reach an even broader market.
No spoilers here — just know that if you missed it the first time, you'll get your chance to see the biggest animated film in history on the big screen, this time in English, with one of cinema's most beloved stars in the mix.