The sequel to China's cult animated hit Ne Zha isn't just breaking box office records—it's rewriting the playbook for film merch! Sales tied to Ne Zha 2 have rocketed past 300 million yuan ($41.3M) on Alibaba’s platforms, proving superheroes don’t need capes when they’ve got cultural cachet. 🦸♂️
Fans are snapping up everything from limited-edition figurines to streetwear inspired by the mythological rebel hero. Analysts say the surge reflects China’s booming creative economy, where box office success (the original film earned $726M globally) seamlessly spills into e-commerce gold. 💰
Alibaba’s ecosystem—blending livestream promos with flash sales—has turbocharged demand. Think of it as Marvel meets Singles’ Day: a masterclass in fandom-powered commerce. 🛒
Why it matters: This isn’t just about merch. It’s a spotlight on how Chinese studios are building IP empires rivaling Hollywood—with storytelling rooted in tradition but packaged for Gen-Z’s TikTok-speed attention spans. 🧨
