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Record-Smashing ‘Ne Zha 2’ Opens U.S. Theatrical Run With A24’s English Dub

The release serves as a gauge of Chinese animation’s reach beyond its China-driven $2.2 billion box office.

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© A24/Beijing Enlight Media
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Overview

  • A24 and CMC Pictures debut the English-language version in North American theaters, including IMAX and 3D formats, starting Aug. 22.
  • Michelle Yeoh leads the dub as Lady Yin and says she hopes audiences engage with Chinese mythology without treating the film as only a “Chinese” story.
  • The sequel stands as the highest-grossing animated film ever at roughly ¥12.3 billion (about $2.2 billion), with the earlier U.S. Mandarin release contributing about $20 million.
  • Early U.S. reviews commend the film’s visual scale and artistry yet flag dense, sometimes confusing storytelling for newcomers; Rotten Tomatoes lists a roughly 94% score.
  • Critics and industry watchers view the rollout as a test of whether a Chinese franchise rooted in Investiture of the Gods can cross over with Western audiences.