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An English-language version of Ne Zha 2, the highest-grossing animated film of all time, is coming to Australia in August.
Originally released in January, the acclaimed Chinese fantasy film has taken over $US1.9 billion ($2.9 billion) at the global box office, making it the highest-grossing non-English language film ever.
An English-language version of the Chinese animated phenomenon will land in late August.
According to film industry data site The Numbers, it sits as the seventh highest-grossing film overall, not far behind Avengers: Infinity War, which grossed just over $US2 billion.
Ne Zha 2, the sequel to 2019’s Ne Zha, follows a boy god from ancient Taoist scripture who battles dragons representing the forces of evil. It proved incredibly popular in China, becoming the first film ever to take more than $US1 billion in a single territory.
However, its popularity expanded far beyond China. In Australia, it debuted as the third-highest ranking feature at the local box office. By its second weekend, it had made $5.22 million.
Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All At Once) will star in a lead voice role for the English-language version.
Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh will feature in the English-language version of Ne Zha 2.Credit: Roadshow
“I’m honoured to be part of Ne Zha 2, a landmark in Chinese animation and a powerful reminder of how universal our stories can be,” she said following the announcement of the English-language version. “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 new version will be screened in premium large formats such as IMAX and 3D from August 28.
The Chinese phenomenon, which was written and directed by Yang Yu, managed to surpass other mega-hit sequels such as Inside Out 2, which landed in cinemas six months before Ne Zha 2 and grossed more than $US1.6 billion worldwide.
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It was also a critical hit, becoming the highest-rated animated film of the year on Rotten Tomatoes and one of the highest-rated films of 2025 on Letterboxd.
Though much of Ne Zha 2’s success can be attributed to love for the original film, as well as its emotional depth in storytelling and stunning visual effects, there were also reports of the film being boosted by Chinese patriotism and a social media campaign.
Fans encouraged others online to watch the film in cinemas multiple times. Local companies even got on board, including snacks manufacturer Weilong Food, which paused operations to take 900 of its employees to see the movie.
Every element of the animated hit was made in China over a staggering five-year period by 138 animation companies and over 4000 crew members, according to IndieWire.
There were also reports around its release that Chinese cinemagoers were encouraged to see the film in local theatres to help fend off the latest Marvel movie at the time, Captain America: Brave New World. Criticism of the film was reportedly decried as “unpatriotic”.
The English-language version of Ne Zha 2 will arrive in Australian cinemas on August 28.
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