First Look: Character Posters Released for Record-Breaking Animated Hit’s English Debut This August
he hugely popular Chinese animated movie Ne Zha 2 is finally coming to English-speaking audiences this August 22. The film will be shown in theaters across the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, with screenings available in IMAX, 3D, and other premium formats. This information comes from A24 and CMC Pictures, the companies bringing the film to these markets.
Michelle Yeoh, an Oscar-winning actress, joins the English voice cast and shared her excitement about the project. She said, “I’m honored to be part of ‘Ne Zha 2,’ a landmark in Chinese animation… I can’t wait for everyone to experience the wonder, heart, spectacular artistry and magic of this film on the big screen.”
Alongside her, Crystal Lee voices Ne Zha, Aleks Le is Ao Bing, Vincent Rodriguez III plays Li Jing, and Damien Haas voices Deero, all helping bring the story alive for English viewers.
Directed by Yang Yu, also known as Jiaozi, Ne Zha 2 is based on classic Chinese mythology. The story follows a young hero, Ne Zha, who struggles with dangerous powers that even the gods fear.
When an ancient threat returns, Ne Zha must step up and become the hero he was meant to be. The movie first premiered in China on January 29, 2025, and quickly became a massive hit. It has earned more than $2.2 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing animated film ever and the most successful non-English movie in history.
Critics praised the film’s story and beautiful animation. On Chinese review sites like Douban, Maoyan, and Taopiaopiao, the film scored very high marks, with ratings close to perfect. Red Star News highlighted how the movie “uses a solid script and accurate expression of values, proving that ‘respect for the audience’ is the real box office password.” Shangguan News liked the way the film kept the style of the original but added better action scenes, though they noted the story was mostly familiar.
Recently, character posters for the English version of Ne Zha 2 were released, adding to the excitement as the release date gets closer.
The sequel continues the story with Ne Zha and his friend Ao Bing surviving a lightning strike from the gods. Their bodies are destroyed, but their teacher, Master Taiyi Zhenren, uses a sacred lotus flower to bring them back.
However, their new forms are fragile. When Ao Bing’s father, the Dragon King of the East Sea, believes his son is dead, he launches a fierce attack. Ao Bing fights back, but his rebuilt body starts to break down under the strain.
The global phenomenon is returning to theatres in English! 🔥
— Cineplex (@CineplexMovies) July 22, 2025
Watch the new trailer for the English version of Ne Zha 2, starring Michelle Yeoh. See it in theatres on August 22. pic.twitter.com/FK3QL6utOq
With its mix of ancient myths, breathtaking animation, and strong messages, Ne Zha 2 is now ready for audiences beyond China. A24 is confident that Western fans will love it just as much as those in China.
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