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Ne Zha 2 (2025) is a Chinese animated fantasy action-adventure film directed by Jiaozi (real name Yang Yu). Serving as a sequel to the 2019 hit Ne Zha, this film continues the tale of the rebellious deity Ne Zha, drawing inspiration from the 16th-century novel Investiture of the Gods (Fengshen Yanyi).

🎬 Production Details

• Director & Screenwriter: Jiaozi (Yang Yu)
• Producers: Liu Wenzhang, Wang Jing
• Studios: Chengdu Coco Cartoon, Beijing Enlight Media, Beijing Enlight Pictures, Chengdu Zizai Jingjie Culture Media, Beijing Coloroom Technology
• Distributor: Beijing Enlight Pictures
• Country of Origin: China
• Language: Mandarin
• Runtime: 144 minutes
• Budget: US$80 million (¥600 million)
• Release Date: 29 January 2025 (China), coinciding with Chinese New Year

📖 Plot Summary

Set in a richly animated world, Ne Zha 2 follows the titular character, Ne Zha, as he grapples with his identity and destiny. Reincarnated from the Demon Orb, Ne Zha is the son of Li Jing and Lady Yin. Alongside Ao Bing, the Dragon King’s son reincarnated from the Spirit Pearl, Ne Zha confronts the demon Shen Gongbao and a faction of exiled dragons threatening their homeland. The narrative delves into themes of self-discovery, redemption, and the battle between fate and free will.

🎭 Voice Cast

• Lü Yanting as Child Ne Zha
• Joseph Cao (囧森瑟夫) as Adolescent Ne Zha
• Han Mo as Ao Bing
• Lü Qi as Lady Yin
• Zhang Jiaming as Taiyi Zhenren
• Wang Deshun as Master Wuliang
• Li Nan / Yu Chen as Ao Guang
• Zhou Yongxi as Ao Run
• Yang Wei as Shen Gongbao

🎶 Music and Soundtrack

The film’s score, composed by Wan Pin Chu, Rui Yang, and Roc Chen, masterfully blends orchestral arrangements with traditional Chinese folk music. Notably, it incorporates:

• Tuvan throat singing for the “Tianyuan Ding” scene
• A fusion of suona and orchestral instruments during the climactic battle
• Traditional instruments like pipa, xiao (flute), erhu, and elements from Peking opera
• The opening features the Grand Song of the Dong ethnic group, performed by the ensemble Wuyue Chan’ge

Composer Roc Chen highlighted the innovative integration of electronic elements with symphonic music, which received an unexpected and positive audience reaction.

💰 Box Office Performance

Ne Zha 2 achieved monumental success:

• China: Over $2 billion, making it the highest-grossing film in a single territory
• Worldwide: Surpassed $2.08 billion, ranking as the fifth-highest-grossing film of all time and the highest-grossing animated film globally
• United States: Grossed approximately $20.8 million

The film’s unprecedented success underscores the global appeal of Chinese animation and storytelling.

🧠 Critical Reception

Critics lauded Ne Zha 2 for its stunning visuals, intricate storytelling, and emotional depth. The Guardian praised its “dazzling visuals” and “rich use of Chinese mythology,” noting its blend of wuxia heroics with humor.

Ne Zha 2 stands as a testament to the burgeoning prowess of Chinese animation, captivating audiences worldwide with its compelling narrative and visual splendor.