Ne Zha 2 Scores Biggest Opening For An Animated Film
Chinese animation is booming. Animated features have been some of China's biggest box-office hits over the past few years. Back in 2019, Ne Zha became the year's biggest hits, and one of the top grossing films worldwide. Now Ne Zha 2 has opened over the Lunar New Year holiday and has followed in its predecessor's footsteps.
Ne Zha 2 opened to RMB2.16 billion ($300 million) over its opening 2 days. Its cumulative gross has already reached $434.2 million, making it not only the number one in China, but also the top film at the international box-office.
The film also took an additional $22.1 million in IMAX ticket sales, making it the fastest film to reach RMB100 million in China, and the 13th highest-grossing local language release in IMAX history.
The 5-day opening gross sets Ne Zha 2 as the biggest animated opening of all time. It surpassed the previous record holder Moana 2, which opened to the tune of $386.3 million last November. What's impressive is that Ne Zha 2 earned its takings in China alone, whereas Moana 2 opened in nearly 50 countries and territories.
Ne Zha 2 is on course to become the biggest Chinese release of all time, surpassing the $913 million of The Battle at Lake Changjin. It's also likely to become the highest-grossing film in a single territory, overtaking Inside Out 2's $653 million record.
There was more Chinese animation in the box-office top five with Boonie Bears Future Reborn at number four. The latest instalment in the popular franchise (a Lunar New Year staple) took $26.8 million over the Holiday, culminating in a total of $57.9 million.
Ne Zha 2 is inspired by Chinese mythology. Following a catastrophe, the souls of Ne Zha and Aobing are saved, but their bodies would soon be shattered. It's up to Taiyi Zhenren to use the seven-coloured lotus to rebuild their bodies. The film is written and directed by Yu Yang, and is produced by Enlight Pictures.
Ne Zha 2 is scheduled to release in Australia and New Zealand on February 13 and the United States and Canada on February 14.
