A24 Unleashes ‘Ne Zha 2’ Trailer As Chinese Box Office Titan Eyes Western Success

A24 has dropped the official English-language trailer for Ne Zha 2, the Chinese animated phenomenon that has shattered box office records since its January release. The distributor also released a new poster for the English-language version, included at the bottom of this article.

Partnering with China’s CMC Pictures, A24 will distribute the film across theaters in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand starting August 22. The release will feature IMAX, 3D, and other premium formats, capitalizing on the event-style distribution that independent and international features have utilized to shift theatrical norms.

Ne Zha 2 has already secured its place in cinematic history. With over $2.2 billion in global ticket sales, it stands as the highest-grossing animated film of all time and the top-performing non-English language film in history. Currently ranked as the fifth-highest-grossing film worldwide, it’s within striking distance of overtaking Titanic’s historic fourth-place position, a milestone that could be achieved with just another $43 million at the box office.

Directed by Yang Yu, also known as Jiaozi, Ne Zha 2 builds upon the 2019 original that grossed $720 million. The sequel deepens Ne Zha’s mythology, blending fast-paced action with traditional Chinese motifs and sharp CG animation. The story follows Ne Zha as he faces an existential threat to humanity, while confronting inner demons about his identity and destiny.

The English-language voice cast is led by the previously announced Academy Award-winner Michelle Yeoh, who is joined by Crystal Lee, Vincent Rodriguez III, and Aleks Le. “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,” Yeoh previously 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, and artistry of this film on the big screen.”

Notably, Ne Zha 2 has garnered glowing reviews, praised for its emotional depth, dynamic animation, and bold reimagining of ancient myths for modern audiences.

For A24, the film marks a rare foray into franchise animation. Known primarily for prestige indie films and genre hits like Hereditary and Everything Everywhere All At Once, the company’s involvement signals a recognition of the global market’s increasing openness to Chinese-produced animation. CMC Pictures, known for distributing the Wandering Earth films internationally, continues to expand its global footprint through partnerships like this.

While it remains to be seen to what extent Ne Zha 2 can replicate its Chinese success in English-speaking markets, its ambitious theatrical rollout and crossover appeal suggest growing demand for animated epics that transcend language and cultural barriers.