China’s latest animated blockbuster, “Ne Zha 2,” has broken box office records and become the highest-grossing animated film globally. The film’s success has sparked national pride among Chinese audiences and hostility towards rival Hollywood movies, including the latest Marvel installment.
“Ne Zha 2” has outperformed Disney’s “Inside Out 2” at home and boasts record-breaking sales worldwide. However, its performance overseas is yet to be confirmed, sparking debates on Chinese social media about the movie’s merits. Critics have been met with heated rebuttals, while some Chinese cinema owners have vowed to support local films over Hollywood movies.
The film’s success has led to praise from a nationalist Chinese tabloid, which claims that “Ne Zha 2” connects with contemporary youth values and resonates on an emotional level. In contrast, the Marvel movie has struggled in China, earning just $11.9 million during its opening week compared to the film’s domestic earnings of over $88 million.
The global animation industry is watching with interest as China’s growing influence in film production becomes more apparent. With “Ne Zha 2” set to become a cultural phenomenon, it remains to be seen how Hollywood responds to the changing landscape of international box office competition.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/chinas-ne-zha-2-animated-blockbuster-fuels-nationalist-pride-hollywood-hostility-2025-02-21