Ne Zha 2, the biggest movie of 2025 and the most successful animated movie ever, is coming back to US cinemas with a big change: it’ll be an English-language version.
Never mind if A Minecraft Movie or Lilo and Stitch will ever make $1 billion or if Superman will beat Fantastic Four in ticket sales. When it comes to this year’s box office, one movie will likely remain unbeaten (and yes, that includes Avatar 3): Ne Zha 2.
The sequel has been an unprecedented theatrical success, grossing over $2.2 billion worldwide – with $2 billion coming from the international box office, mostly from its popularity in China.
It had a limited domestic release earlier this year, making nearly $20 million. Later this summer, A24 is bringing it back to theaters with a major star leading its English dub.
Michelle Yeoh to lead English voice cast in A24’s Ne Zha 2 re-release
Ne Zha 2 will be re-released in US cinemas (as well as theaters in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand) on August 22. Don’t expect a few dingy screens, either: it’s getting rolled out onto IMAX and other premium large formats.
Yeoh is confirmed to lead the English voice cast, as reported by THR. “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,” the Everything Everywhere All at Once Oscar-winner said in a statement.
“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 sequel, directed by Jiaozi, picks up after the events of its 2019 predecessor, with Ne Zha and Ao Bing sharing one body in the wake of a heavenly lightning strike that almost kills them both.
As the synopsis teases, “after the catastrophe, although the souls of Ne Zha and Ao Bing were saved, their bodies would soon be shattered. Taiyi Zhenren planned to use the seven-colored lotus to rebuild their bodies.”
The re-release comes as a result of a partnership between A24 and CMC Pictures, a Chinese distributor.
