Move over, Hollywood! 🌟 China's animated epic Ne Zha 2 has made history as the first non-Hollywood film to earn $1 billion in a single market, shattering box office records and igniting global buzz. The sequel to 2019’s Ne Zha drew over 160 million viewers in the Chinese mainland alone, proving homegrown storytelling can dominate the big screen. 💥
Directed by Yang Yu (aka Jiaozi), the film debuted during Lunar New Year and quickly dethroned local hits like Wolf Warrior 2 to become China’s most-watched movie. By Sunday, its total haul hit **8 billion yuan ($1.12 billion)** – beating even Star Wars: The Force Awakens for highest single-market gross. 🚀
Why are audiences obsessed? Ne Zha 2 blends mythic lore with eye-popping animation, following heroes Nezha and Aobing as they battle celestial forces. Analysts say its mix of humor, heart, and cultural roots resonates deeply. 🏮 ‘It captures universal themes,’ said Tsinghua professor Yin Hong, praising its ‘Oedipal archetype’ layered with fantasy clashes.
The film’s success is a lifeline for China’s cinema sector, which struggled in 2024 with slumping attendance. Maoyan projects Ne Zha 2 could hit **12 billion yuan** – a first for any Chinese title. 💸 ‘This sets the tone for 2025,’ analyst Lai Li told reporters. ‘It shows our market’s resilience.’
Director Jiaozi sees the film as a bridge to global audiences: ‘Great stories can move everyone,’ he said. 🌏 With its record-smashing run, Ne Zha 2 isn’t just a movie – it’s a cultural earthquake shaking up the film world.
