Ne Zha II Returns to U.S. in English Dub as Global Box-Office Leader

Ne Zha II has cemented its place as a global box-office phenomenon, with a record-setting performance that has surpassed previous benchmarks for animated features. The film, produced by Beijing Enlight Media and directed by Jiaozi, is returning to U.S. theaters in an English-dubbed version through A24, with a wide rollout that includes IMAX, 3D, and other premium formats beginning August 22. The rerelease follows a global tally that has surpassed the two-billion-dollar mark, underscoring the film’s status as the highest-grossing animated feature of all time and the crown jewel of a rapidly expanding Chinese animation footprint on the world stage.

Ne Zha II picks up from the 2019 original, expanding a mythic premise into a broader, more cosmic narrative. The story centers on Ne Zha, a rebellious young figure whose powers threaten both mortals and gods, and Ao Bing, whose fate becomes intertwined with Ne Zha as they navigate forbidden realms, epic battles, and a quest to avert catastrophe. The film draws loosely on Chinese myth and the 16th-century novel The Investiture of the Gods, presenting a CG-driven shōnen-like arc that scales up the stakes while showcasing intricate fight...