Photo: ticketing platform Beacon

Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2 has made history as the first film to gross more than $1 billion in a single market. It is also the first non-Hollywood film to join the global $1 billion box office club, according to the People's Daily on Saturday.

Compared to its predecessor, Ne Zha 2 has undergone significant enhancements in character design, special effects, and scene construction, according to the China Central Television. The number of characters in Ne Zha 2 is two times more than its predecessor, and there are nearly 2,000 special effects shots.

Liu Wenzhang, the producer of the Ne Zha film series, once stated that the architectural styles rooted in Eastern aesthetics, the magnificent battle scenes and the intricate portrayal of micro-expressions showcase the progress of Chinese animation technology.

Ne Zha is a highly influential character in Chinese folklore, rooted in the classic Chinese novel Investiture of the Gods. It follows a young boy who was born with extraordinary powers.

"China's traditional culture is a vast treasure trove for animated film creation," said director of the Ne Zha film series Yang Yu, who goes by the name of Jiaozi, meaning "dumpling". 

"Animated films should not only draw from China's rich traditional culture but also present it in a way that resonates with younger audiences, ensuring its relevance to modern audiences."

Not limited to the Chinese market, Ne Zha 2 is set to expand its global reach. The film is scheduled for a staggered release in select theaters in the US starting from February 12. 

According to the Xinhua News Agency, despite the film's release being nearly a week away, most showtimes have already been sold out. Meanwhile, Ne Zha 2 has become a hot topic on US social media, generating significant buzz. In addition to the US, the film will also be released in other markets such as Australia, further expanding its global reach.

Global Times