Ne Zha 2 Is Back and Bigger Than Ever: A24’s English Version Hits Theaters This August

A24 is Re-Releasing Ne Zha 2 in English for Western Audiences
A24 is giving the worldwide animation sensation Ne Zha 2 a fresh chance to shine in Western theaters with a brand-new English-language version. This move comes after the film’s massive success in China, where it grossed nearly $2 billion, making it the most profitable animated movie ever and one of the top 10 highest-grossing films globally.
- Ne Zha 2 earned almost $1.9 billion in China, topping the 2025 worldwide box office
- Previous US release made just $20 million due to limited rollout and low awareness
- A24 plans a wide theatrical release in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand starting August 22
- English dub stars Michelle Yeoh in an undisclosed role
- The film blends epic fantasy, martial arts, comedy, and cosmic battles
Why This Re-Release Matters
Although Ne Zha 2 dominated the box office in China, its initial US release earlier this year barely made a splash, pulling in only $20 million. That was mainly because it had a limited release, minimal marketing, and American audiences weren’t familiar with the story or characters. Now, A24—the indie studio known for hits like Everything Everywhere All At Once and Midsommar—is betting on a bigger, more traditional release strategy to reach Western viewers.
Starting August 22, the movie will hit theaters across the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand in both 3D and IMAX formats. While the full English voice cast is still under wraps, Michelle Yeoh, the Best Actress winner from Everything Everywhere All At Once, is confirmed to have a role.
What’s the Story About?
Ne Zha 2 continues the saga of two legendary figures from Chinese mythology: the rebellious boy Ne Zha and the noble dragon warrior Ao Bing. Born from the same mystical source, these characters start as rivals but eventually join forces. The sequel dives deeper into their journey, mixing epic battles powered by supernatural abilities with humor, including some light-hearted fart jokes.
A24 sums it up like this:
“A rebellious young boy, Ne Zha, is feared by the gods and born to mortal parents with wild, uncontrolled powers. Now he’s faced with an ancient force intent on destroying humanity, he must grow up to become the hero the world needs.”
How to Prepare for Ne Zha 2
Since this is the second chapter in a complex story, it’s a good idea to catch up on the original Ne Zha before watching the sequel. The first movie is currently streaming on Peacock, available free with ads on Tubi, and can be rented or purchased on Amazon and Apple TV among other platforms.
Peacock:
https://www.peacocktv.com/watch/asset/movies/ne-zha/3de30c44-d551-3376-832a-3b3e1a1f7240
Tubi:
https://tubitv.com/movies/703989/ne-zha-dubbed
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.96b80744-5963-9c67-8bbd-d06374d91a83
Apple TV:
https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/ne-zha/umc.cmc.6jfs6q62rhv2hljp59m4zeoue
For a glimpse of the movie’s style and energy, check out the official trailer here:
