Animated blockbuster Ne Zha 2 has overtaken the 2021 war epic The Battle at Lake Changjin to become the highest-grossing film in Chinese box office history.
As of Thursday, the film had grossed over 5.77 billion yuan (US$804.84 million), reaching this milestone in just eight days and five hours, according to box office tracker Maoyan Pro.
A sequel to the 2019 hit Ne Zha, the film continues the story of the rebellious deity who defies his fate. Based on the classic novel Fengshen Yanyi, Ne Zha 2 follows the character’s rebirth, with his body reconstructed from a seven-colored lotus after a cataclysmic event.
Ne Zha’s enduring popularity is not just a testament to the success of Ne Zha 2, but also a reflection of how the character has evolved over decades in Chinese animation. From his early depictions as a celestial warrior to his transformation into a rebellious anti-hero, each adaptation has reshaped Ne Zha’s image to resonate with different generations.
To understand how Ne Zha 2 builds on this legacy, let’s take a look at how Ne Zha’s image has changed throughout the history of Chinese animation.