“Ne Zha 2”, the Biggest Animated Movie Ever, Is Returning to Theaters with Michelle Yeoh Now Leading Voice Cast

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The Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2 is being released in an English-language version with Michelle Yeoh cast in a lead voice role, The Hollywood Reporter announced

The picture is being released in the U.S. and other countries on Aug. 22, according to the outlet

Ne Zha 2 is the top-grossing animated film of all time following its release in China at the beginning of the year

Chinese smash-hit blockbuster Ne Zha 2 is heading to U.S. theaters!

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The record-breaking animated film is being released in an English-language version later this summer, which will star Oscar-winnerMichelle Yeoh in a lead voice role, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The animated runaway success hits theaters in the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand in Imax, 3D, and other premium large formats on Aug. 22 under the partnership of A24 and CMC Pictures, the outlet reported.

Yeoh, 62, said in a statement, “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,” per THR.

Ne Zha 2 was released in China in January, followed by the U.S. in February, and is the world’s highest-grossing animated film of all time. The fantasy film had earned $2.2 billion at the global box office since its release, taking over Pixar’s 2024 hit Inside Out 2 at $1.7 billion, per THR.

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'Ne Zha 2'

The film sequel to the 2019’s Ne Zha is written and directed by Yu Yang and inspired by the 16th-century Chinese folklore novel The Investiture of the Gods. The story follows rebellious young demigod Ne Zha, who wrestles with his powers and the threat of humanity’s destruction.

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“After the heavenly lightning, although Ne Zha and Ao Bing survived by becoming Spirits, they would soon dissipate completely,” the plotine states. “Taiyi plans to rebuild Ne Zha and Ao Bing’s mortal bodies with the Seven-colored Precious Lotus. However, during the process of reconstruction, numerous obstacles arise. What will become of the fate of Ne Zha and Ao Bing?”

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The film features several Chinese voice actors, including Joseph Cao and Mo Han in the lead roles as Ne Zha and Ao Bing.

Ne Zha 2 is now also the fifth top-grossing global film of all time, per THR.

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