Michelle Yeoh: Don't label 'Ne Zha II' as simply 'a Chinese film'

Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh, who voiced the English-dubbed version of "Ne Zha II," has urged Western audiences to look past stereotypes and appreciate the film's universal appeal rather than dismissing it as simply "a Chinese film."

Michelle Yeoh poses at the premiere of "Ne Zha II" in Los Angeles, Aug. 4, 2025. [Photo courtesy of CMC Pictures]

"It's a beautiful story and that's the most important thing," Yeoh said.

The English-dubbed version of "Ne Zha II" opened in North America, Australia and New Zealand on Friday. In North America, it rolled out on 2,100 screens with IMAX and other premium large format support across the continent. A24 and CMC Pictures are handling distribution.

"Ne Zha II" became a box office phenomenon after its earlier release this year, ending its Chinese theatrical run June 30 with 15.45 billion yuan ($2.13 billion) in domestic revenue, making it the highest-grossing Chinese film of all time. 

Global earnings have reached $2.19 billion, positioning the film as the world's top-grossing animated movie, the highest-earning non-English language release in cinema history, and the fifth highest-grossing film of all time behind only "Avatar," "Avengers: Endgame," "Avatar: The Way of Water" and "Titanic."

The film earned a 93% critics rating and record-breaking 99% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, marking it as the platform's highest-rated animated film this decade.

"They definitely deserve it," Yeoh said of the animated hit. "It's a phenomenon because it is an incredible movie. It is so brilliantly done — it's pushing all the boundaries, doing things that are not the norm. But when it comes to film, the box office reflects what the audience wants. This is what they want."

She added, "I think maybe it was also a time when they wanted to be taken away on a magical journey, because you're going up to the heavens, down to the bottom of the seas; you see dragons, you see all these kinds of things."

While "Ne Zha II" achieved massive success with Chinese audiences, distributors are now targeting English-speaking viewers who typically prefer dubbed versions over subtitled films. Yeoh voices Ne Zha's mother, Lady Yin, alongside voice actors Aleks Le, Vincent Rodriguez III, Crystal Lee and Damien Haas in other major roles.

Yeoh said her limited Chinese meant she initially watched the film with subtitles, finding herself so engrossed she constantly shifted her gaze between the action and text to follow the story. That experience partly motivated her to join the dubbing project.

She emphasized that animation provides a pathway for children to enjoy and understand Chinese mythology, but they need to hear it in their native language to fully comprehend the story.

Directed by Yang Yu, also known as Jiaozi, "Ne Zha II" reimagines the mythological figures Ne Zha and Ao Bing, reborn in lotus-formed bodies, who must unite against vengeful dragon kings and a cunning deity. Ne Zha, a rebellious boy born with uncontrollable powers, is feared by both gods and humans — yet must become an unlikely hero when ancient evil threatens humanity.

The film blends Chinese mythology with action, humor and cutting-edge animation to deliver what critics call a visually spectacular and culturally rich experience.

"These are warriors and demigods. I guess it's like Zeus and Thor — but these are ours," she explained. "And I think that's very important, because when you learn about other cultures and myths, you have a nice, deeper understanding, and it teaches you to embrace something that is different."

An IMAX poster for "Ne Zha II." [Image courtesy of IMAX]

Yeoh noted that Hollywood has long dominated as the world's largest and most influential film industry through years of experience, institutional support and cultural infrastructure. Europe has similarly built strong cinematic traditions. Now, Chinese filmmakers are gaining prominence — learning, growing and increasingly making their mark globally.

"That's what I appreciate because I just spent a few months filming there and I love that they are open and they understand there's so much for us to learn," she said. "The minute you stop learning, that's when you go downhill."

Yeoh said what America, China and other countries need from each other is honest cultural exchange, of which there are many examples today.

"We watch K-dramas, Japanese films, European films... The world is getting smaller, and it has always been small — it's just that now we are able to reach all the corners much easier," she said.