A24 Brings Ne Zha 2 to U.S. Theaters — Michelle Yeoh Voices the Dub in a Sequel About Radical Self-Ownership
A24 will re-release Ne Zha 2 in U.S. theaters on Aug. 22 with an English-language dub that features Michelle Yeoh, and the release offers a clear chance to watch both the 2019 original and the 2025 sequel and compare their stories and themes.
- What the re-release includes and when it opens.
- Where to stream the first Ne Zha and how the sequel performed at the box office.
- Concrete plot and theme differences between the two films, including key characters and creative credits.
Release and box-office context
Ne Zha 2 earned the most global box-office revenue of 2025 so far, although most of its theatrical income has come from China. For context, the film is listed as 2025’s biggest box-office hit worldwide on Box Office Mojo. A24 will give the film a wider Western release on Aug. 22 and will present an English dub that includes Michelle Yeoh among the credited performers.
Where to watch the first Ne Zha
The 2019 film Ne Zha is currently available on Peacock, and it is also available for free on Tubi and The Roku Channel. Therefore, viewers who want to compare both films can stream the original before or after catching Ne Zha 2 in theaters.
Ed. note: Broad spoilers ahead.
Creators and key characters
The original Ne Zha (2019) and Ne Zha 2 (2025) were written and directed by Jiao Zi. The sequel continues the story of Ne Zha and the character Ao Bing, who is connected to the Dragon King Ao Guang — see more on Ao Bing and Ao Guang via their Wikipedia pages: Ao Bing and Ao Guang. In Ne Zha 2, the character Shen Gongbao returns with an expanded role that includes a closer look at his relationship with his younger brother, Shen Xiaobao.
Themes and concrete plot differences
Both films center on Ne Zha, but each emphasizes a different message. The 2019 movie focused on resisting a preordained “demon” destiny and becoming accepted by others. By contrast, Ne Zha 2 emphasizes self-ownership and authenticity: characters are repeatedly shown learning to embrace their complete selves rather than conforming to outside expectations.
In the sequel, Ne Zha shares a body with Ao Bing after the events of the first film, and he must complete three tasks assigned by the heavenly emissary Wuliang while also seeking immortality. The film depicts Ne Zha hiding his demonic origins and the shared body situation, and it also shows moments where Ao Bing takes over to present a different side of the character to others.
Additionally, Ne Zha 2 includes an expanded arc for Shen Gongbao, who reconnects with his younger brother Shen Xiaobao. That relationship shows Gongbao in a more domestic and protective role, and the film presents his final choices as part of his path to redemption. The sequel also makes repeated use of coarse physical humor — including jokes involving bodily functions — alongside its narrative beats.
Finally, the sequel’s antagonist is portrayed as hypocritical, with power that relies on deception. Consequently, the film contrasts truth and pretense, and it resolves character arcs around honesty and authentic behavior.
Timing and viewing recommendation
Because A24’s re-release arrives in late August with an English dub, audiences in the West will have a wider chance to see Ne Zha 2 in theaters. Moreover, since the original is available on several streaming platforms, viewers can watch both films back-to-back to compare their approaches to character and theme.
