Character Posters Revealed for Highest-Grossing Animated Film’s English Version Coming This August
The hugely popular Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2 is finally coming to English-speaking audiences this August 22, hitting theaters in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The movie, backed by A24 and CMC Pictures, will be available in IMAX, 3D, and other premium formats.
Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh joins the English voice cast, sharing her excitement: “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.”
The main cast for the English version of Ne Zha 2 includes Crystal Lee as Ne Zha, Aleks Le as Ao Bing, and Michelle Yeoh as Lady Yin. Vincent Rodriguez III voices Li Jing, and Damien Haas plays Deero. These talented actors bring the characters to life for the English-speaking audience.
Directed by Yang Yu (aka Jiaozi), Ne Zha 2 is based on ancient Chinese myths and follows the young hero Ne Zha as he struggles with dangerous powers and faces a new, ancient threat.
The film was a massive hit in China, making over $2.2 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing animated movie ever and the most successful non-English film in history. Critics praised its story and stunning visuals, with top Chinese review sites giving it near-perfect scores.
Recently, character posters for the English version were revealed, building hype ahead of the film’s release.
In this sequel, Ne Zha and his friend Ao Bing are struck by lightning 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. Thinking Ao Bing has died, his father, the Dragon King of the East Sea, leads a fierce attack on Chentang Pass. Ao Bing fights back, but his rebuilt body begins to fall apart from the effort.
The response in China has been full of praise. The film scored an 8.5 out of 10 on Douban, while ticket platforms Maoyan and Taopiaopiao gave it even higher ratings, 9.7 and 9.8 out of 10.
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
Red Star News said the movie stood out for its story and visuals, and commented that it “uses a solid script and accurate expression of values, proving that ‘respect for the audience’ is the real box office password.” Shangguan News appreciated how the movie stayed true to the style of the first one and improved its action scenes, but noted the plot didn’t offer many surprises.
With its mix of ancient myth, stunning animation, and powerful themes, Ne Zha 2 is now ready to reach a wider audience. A24 is betting that Western viewers will be just as impressed as fans in China.
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