English-dubbed 'Ne Zha 2' featuring Michelle Yeoh to debut in August

A new English-language version of "Ne Zha 2," already the world's highest-grossing animated film, is set to open in cinemas in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand from Aug. 22, with Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh joining the English voice cast.

A still from "Ne Zha 2." [Image courtesy of CMC Pictures]

A24 and CMC Pictures will distribute the English-language version, the companies announced Wednesday. The film will be released in IMAX, 3D and other premium large formats.

"I'm honored to be part of 'Ne Zha 2,' a landmark in Chinese animation and a powerful reminder of how universal our stories can be," Yeoh said in a statement. "Sharing this with audiences in English is such a joy, and I can't wait for everyone to experience the wonder, heart, spectacular artistry, and magic of this film on the big screen."

The announcement did not say which character Yeoh will voice or disclose other members of the English cast.

Directed by Yang Yu, better known as Jiaozi, the film follows mythological figures Ne Zha and Ao Bing, who are reborn in lotus-formed bodies after a catastrophe and must unite against vengeful dragon kings and a scheming god. 

The film combines traditional Chinese mythology with action, humor and advanced visual effects. The production took five years, with a crew of 4,000 and the involvement of 138 Chinese animation and special effects companies.

"Ne Zha 2" has emerged as a box office sensation since its release earlier this year, ending its China run on June 30 with 15.45 billion yuan ($2.13 billion) to become the highest-grossing Chinese film ever.

Its worldwide total has reached $2.19 billion, making it the top-grossing animated film globally, the highest-grossing non-English-language film and the fifth highest-grossing film of all time, trailing only "Avatar," "Avengers: Endgame," "Avatar: The Way of Water" and "Titanic."

The film is the highest-rated animated feature of 2025, earning a 96% approval rating from critics and a 99% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. It also ranks among the top-rated releases on Letterboxd. Critics have called it "animated cinema on a scale rarely seen" and "a technical marvel that demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible."

CMC Pictures, the film division of CMC Inc., released a Chinese-dubbed, English-subtitled version of "Ne Zha 2" overseas in February, grossing more than $20 million in North America. The English-dubbed version is expected to further boost the film's global box office.

Chinese Malaysian actor Michelle Yeoh at an Olympic event in 2023. [File photo/Xinhua]

"Children, teenagers and families in international markets rarely watch subtitled foreign-language films, and the language barrier remains a key distribution challenge," said Catherine Ying, vice president of CMC Inc. and president of CMC Pictures. "The English-dubbed version of 'Ne Zha 2' is aimed at reaching mainstream audiences and building long-term franchise potential."

CMC Pictures has operated internationally since 2016, handling film development, production, investment and distribution in 100 countries.

A24, the entertainment company behind Oscar-winning films such as "Moonlight" and "Everything Everywhere All at Once" and the series "Euphoria," has a catalogue of more than 150 films and 50 television series, with 21 Academy Awards, 18 Golden Globes and 18 Emmys. CMC Pictures said the partnership aims to expand the franchise's global reach, promote Chinese culture and attract a broader international audience.

Wang Changtian, chairman of Beijing Enlight Media and producer of "Ne Zha 2," said at a forum during the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival on June 15 that he expects the film’s final international box office receipts to exceed $100 million.