Michelle Yeoh Joins the Cast of “Ne Zha 2” for English Dub
Michelle Yeoh recently expressed her excitement after watching “Ne Zha 2” in Hong Kong. The animated film, a tremendous success that has grossed over $2.2 billion, struck her as an ideal movie for audiences worldwide. Even though she is fluent in Mandarin, Yeoh found the subtitles challenging, prompting her to consider how younger viewers might feel.
Recognizing the potential for the film to reach a broader audience, A24, the studio behind the film, began developing an English-language version in collaboration with CMC Pictures. Soon after, Yeoh received a call inviting her to voice the character Lady Yin, Ne Zha’s mother. Her enthusiastic response was simple: “Hell yes.” The English dub is set to hit over 2,500 theaters across North America on August 22.
The story follows Ne Zha, a rebellious child born as a demon’s reincarnation, who strives to change his fate. The sequel picks up when he must save a friend and protect his village, making it accessible even for those who haven’t seen the first film.
Yeoh, who grew up with the tales and myths depicted in the film, noted the lengthy five-year production that brought together around 4,000 artists from various animation companies across China. The result is a visually stunning film, running 143 minutes, featuring intricate animation and impressive special effects.
She praised the film’s translation, acknowledging the difficulty of preserving the original’s poetic nuances while making it relatable to English speakers. “They struck a very good balance of not making it too classical but also more contemporary,” she remarked.
The interest in “Ne Zha 2” is evident, as its subtitled version already earned over $20 million in North America. Many Chinese communities even rented theaters to screen the film. With the English version, Yeoh believes this heartwarming story will resonate universally, highlighting themes of family, love, and overcoming adversity. She views the film as a bridge between cultures, immersing audiences in rich storytelling and valuable lessons.
