The making of *Ne Zha 2* was an immense and complex undertaking that spanned five years, involving a massive collaborative effort across the Chinese animation industry. Following the success of the original *Ne Zha* film released in 2019, the production team quickly decided to develop a sequel, which became *Ne Zha 2*, also known as *Nezha: The Demon Child Churns the Sea*. This sequel pushed the boundaries of Chinese animation in terms of scale, budget, and technical ambition.
The production of *Ne Zha 2* was unprecedented in its scope. Over 4,000 people from 138 different animation companies contributed to the film, more than double the workforce of the first movie, which had about 1,600 people involved. This enormous team worked on creating a film that featured three times as many characters as the original and included over 2,400 shots, with more than 1,900 of those being special effects shots. This level of complexity required meticulous coordination and innovation in animation techniques to bring the story and visuals to life[1][2].
Financially, *Ne Zha 2* set new records for Chinese animated films. The production budget reached 600 million yuan, making it the most expensive animated film ever produced in China, surpassing the previous record held by *Deep Sea* (2023), which cost 200 million yuan. The project also received significant support from Sichuan Province’s cultural funds, which have an annual budget of 300 million yuan dedicated to major cultural projects. This financial backing was crucial in enabling the filmmakers to invest in cutting-edge technology and a large creative team to achieve their ambitious vision[1][2].
The creative process behind *Ne Zha 2* was documented in a film titled *Bùpò-bùlì* (translated as “No innovation without destruction”), released online in February 2025. This documentary provides an in-depth look at the challenges and breakthroughs experienced during the making of the film, highlighting the dedication and innovation required to push Chinese animation to new heights[1].
From a storytelling perspective, *Ne Zha 2* expanded on the original’s narrative while introducing new characters and deeper plotlines. The film blends traditional Chinese mythology with modern storytelling techniques, creating a story that resonates with both domestic and international audiences. The sequel’s narrative complexity and character development were supported by the increased number of shots and special effects, which enhanced the visual storytelling and emotional impact[1][5].
The film’s release was accompanied by a massive merchandising campaign that became a commercial phenomenon in China. Official *Ne Zha 2* merchandise sold out rapidly across stores nationwide, with online sales exceeding 50 million yuan shortly after the film’s release. Within two weeks, branded merchandise sales surpassed 400 million yuan, demonstrating the film’s cultural impact and popularity beyond the box office[1][2].
Internationally, *Ne Zha 2* achieved remarkable success, grossing over 2.2 billion dollars globally, with more than 90% of its revenue coming from China. The film was dubbed into multiple languages to reach a broad audience, including an English-language version released in August 2025 featuring Michelle Yeoh as the voice of Lady Yin, Ne Zha’s mother. This careful localization helped the film connect with global viewers while maintaining its cultural authenticity[3][4][7].
The production team took a deliberate approach to the sequel, avoiding rushing the project despite the original film’s success. This patience allowed them to build on the brand organically and focus on quality, which contributed to the film’s strong reception and enduring popularity. The filmmakers also benefited from a cultural context in China where seeing the film was framed as a patriotic act, which helped drive massive box office attendance[3].
Technologically, *Ne Zha 2* pushed the envelope in animation quality and special effects. The film’s visual style is noted for its spectacular and hyperactive humor, combining traditional mythological elements with modern animation techniques. This blend created a unique aesthetic that appealed to a wide audience, including families and children, making it a four-quadrant film accessible to all ages[5][6].
The film also reflects a broader trend in Chinese animation, where mythological and supernatural themes are explored with fresh perspectives. *Ne Zha 2* presents gods and spirits as complex characters living in a world that merges ancient traditions with contemporary life, often using humor and slice-of-life elements to explore deeper questions about coexistence and identity[6].
In summary, the making of *Ne Zha 2* was a landmark achievement in Chinese animation, characterized by its massive scale, record-breaking budget, innovative production techniques, and cultural resonance. The film’s success is a testament to the dedication of thousands of artists and technicians who worked for five years to create a visually stunning and narratively rich sequel that has captivated audiences both in China and around the world[1][2][3][4][5][6][7].
