A24 Unveils ‘Ne Zha 2’ English-Language Dub Starring Michelle Yeoh, Coming To U.S. Theaters In August

A24 is partnering with Chinese studio CMC Pictures to bring an English-language version of Ne Zha 2, the highest-grossing animated film of all time, to theaters in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand starting August 22, 2025. The film will be released in IMAX, 3D, and other premium large formats.

Released on January 29, 2025, Ne Zha 2 has grossed over $2.2 billion, making it the highest-grossing animated film of all time, the highest-grossing non-English language film ever, and the fifth-highest-grossing film overall. If it can pull in another $43 million, it will surpass Titanic in fourth place.

Directed by Yang Yu (also known as Jiaozi), Ne Zha 2 is a follow-up to 2019’s Ne Zha, itself a massive box office hit, grossing $720 million. This new installment continues the story of the fiery young demigod, blending Chinese mythology with contemporary action and sharp CG animation.

The English version will include voice work from Oscar-winning actor Michelle Yeoh, who said in a release: “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, and artistry of this film on the big screen.”

In Ne Zha 2, the titular character, born with uncontrollable powers and feared by the gods, must confront a looming threat to humanity while grappling with his own identity and purpose. The film builds on the themes of fate, defiance, and transformation introduced in the original.

Aside from its commercial success, Ne Zha 2 has also earned a strong critical and audience response. It currently ranks among the top-rated films of the year on Rotten Tomatoes and Letterboxd.

For A24, this release marks a rare trip into animated franchise territory and underscores the growing visibility of Chinese animation in international markets. CMC Pictures, which also distributed the Wandering Earth films, continues to position itself as a key player in bringing Chinese-language cinema to global audiences.

Whether Ne Zha 2 will resonate as strongly with English-speaking viewers remains to be seen, but its theatrical rollout suggests a growing appetite for animated stories that travel across borders, both visually and culturally.