On 30 April, the China Cultural Centre in Malta proudly announced the screening of the premiere of Ne Zha 2, the monumental 2025 Chinese animated fantasy action-adventure film, currently showing at the Eden Cinema in St Julian's. As the direct sequel to the 2019 global hit Ne Zha, this new chapter reimagines one of China's most iconic mythological heroes in a bold and emotionally rich cinematic experience that has taken the world by storm.
Written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jiaozi (also known as Yang Yu), Ne Zha 2 continues the story of the rebellious demon-child Ne Zha and his former rival, the dragon prince Ao Bing. Following a catastrophic heavenly lightning strike, both heroes are reborn in a shared body and must undergo three perilous trials to secure a new future - not only for themselves, but for the world they hope to protect. Through themes of destiny, identity and inner transformation, the film invites viewers to reflect on the power of free will, self-determination, and the courage to challenge tradition.
Rooted in Xu Zhonglin's 16th century classic novel Investiture of the Gods, Ne Zha 2 diverges from traditional retellings to create an emotionally resonant narrative filled with family bonds, friendship and moral complexity. The film questions the binary of good and evil, showing how perceived villains may be guided by justice, and how traditional heroes are not always what they seem.
The sequel took five years to produce, engaging over 4,000 artists across 138 animation studios - double the workforce of the first film. With more than 2,400 shots and nearly 2,000 special effects sequences, Ne Zha 2 is a visual and technical achievement that sets a new benchmark in animation.
Since its release on 29 January, coinciding with the Chinese New Year, the film has garnered critical acclaim and shattered box office records. With global earnings surpassing $2.1 billion against an $80 million budget, Ne Zha 2 is now the highest-grossing animated film of all time and the first non-English language film to cross the $2 billion mark.
Maltese audiences have responded enthusiastically to the film, describing it as breathtaking, emotionally powerful, and refreshingly different from typical animated blockbusters.