Cinemas are gearing up for the release of Ne Zha 2, the latest instalment in China’s record-breaking animated franchise, set to hit screens nationwide on March 13.
Distributed by GSC Movies and TGV Cinemas, the film’s arrival taps into Malaysia’s vibrant multicultural audience, particularly its sizable Chinese-speaking community, while aiming to captivate broader audiences with its universal themes of heroism and identity.
The original Ne Zha film, directed by Yang Yu (also known as “Jiaozi”), became a cultural phenomenon, grossing over USD 1.9 billion (approx RM8.38 billion)worldwide and earning acclaim for its stunning visuals, innovative storytelling, and modern reinterpretation of Chinese mythological lore.
It remains the highest-grossing animated film in China’s history and solidified the country’s reputation as a rising powerhouse in global animation.
Cultural bridges through mythology
The Ne Zha series, inspired by the 16th-century Chinese classic Fengshen Yanyi, holds unique appeal in Malaysia, where Chinese folklore is both a cultural touchstone for ethnic Chinese communities and a subject of fascination for non-Chinese audiences.
Ne Zha 2 is also part of a broader slate of Chinese animated films, such as Deep Sea and New Gods: Yang Jian, gaining traction worldwide.
The 2019 original Ne Zha garnered a cult following in Malaysia, ranking among the top 5 highest-grossing Chinese animated films locally.
