Michelle Yeoh Brings Socal Spotlight To 'Ne Zha 2' – A Nod To Chinese Mythology

Hollywood Meets Chinese Mythology with 'Ne Zha 2'

Los Angeles, get ready to be transported to a world of demigods and warriors! Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh is shining a bright SoCal spotlight on 'Ne Zha 2,' the Chinese animated sensation that’s just smashed records as the highest-grossing animated film ever worldwide. Known for her iconic roles in flicks like 'Everything Everywhere All at Once,' Yeoh is lending her voice to the character of Ne Zha’s mom in the English dub, and she’s got a lot to say about why this story matters.

Chatting with Reuters, Yeoh couldn’t hold back her excitement for showcasing Asian mythological figures on the global stage. She’s all about bridging cultures through storytelling, comparing these characters to Western legends like Zeus and Thor, but with a distinctly Eastern flair. It’s a chance for audiences from Venice Beach to the Valley to dive into something fresh and embrace a different vibe.

Cultural Waves and Box Office Wins

'Ne Zha 2,' distributed by A24, picks up where the 1999 original left off, following the souls of Nezha and Aobing as they fight to reclaim their physical forms and protect their loved ones. Directed by Yu Yang and inspired by the 16th-century novel 'Investiture of the Gods' by Xu Zhonglin, this fantasy epic is dropping in U.S. theaters this Friday with its English dub. The original Mandarin release already made history back in February, overtaking Pixar’s 'Inside Out 2' to claim the animated crown, per ticketing platform Maoyan.

With a staggering 12.3 billion yuan ($1.69 billion) in global box office haul - including pre-sales and overseas earnings - 'Ne Zha 2' ranks as the eighth highest-grossing film of all time. That’s some serious Hollywood-level cash! Yeoh wants everyone to look past the 'Chinese film' label and soak in the universal beauty of the story, whether you’re watching in a downtown LA theater or streaming with friends in the OC.

Yeoh’s Personal Take – A Cinematic Escape

Yeoh, who stole hearts in 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,' shared how she was completely mesmerized the first time she watched 'Ne Zha 2.' She couldn’t peel her eyes away as the film took her from the heavens to the depths of the seas, with dragons and epic visuals stealing the show. For her, it’s all about that two-hour escape - a chance to leave behind the hustle of the 405 freeway and get lost in pure magic.

'I want audiences to just let go and be swept away by this story – it’s not just about where it’s from, it’s about feeling something incredible,' Yeoh shared passionately.

So, whether you’re a film buff in Hollywood or just looking for your next big screen adventure, Yeoh’s invite is clear: dive into 'Ne Zha 2' and let this cultural gem - with a touch of SoCal hype - blow your mind. It’s more than a movie; it’s a journey worth taking.