'Ne Zha 2' is based on a 16th century Chinese novel 'The Investiture Of The Gods'. Photo: Handout
Chinese animated blockbuster Ne Zha 2 overtook Pixar's Inside Out 2 on Tuesday to become the highest-grossing animated film globally, according to data from ticketing platform Maoyan.
Ne Zha 2 has amassed a total box office of 12.3 billion yuan (RM7.55bil) including pre-sales and overseas earnings, making it the eighth highest box office film globally.
Over 99% of Ne Zha 2's box office income has come from mainland China, starkly in contrast to Hollywood films, which typically rely on a more global distribution strategy.
It is a sequel to the 2019 hit Ne Zha. The film is based on a 16th century Chinese novel The Investiture Of The Gods, depicting a hero boy with magic power who tried to defend Chentangguan, a fortress town.
Directed by Sichuan-born director Yang Yu, also known as Jiaozi, the film propelled the 2025 Lunar New Year box office in the country to an all-time high. – Reuters
