"Nobody," an animated feature directed by Yu Shui, has become China's highest-grossing homegrown 2D animated release as it continues to gain momentum at the box office.

A still from "Nobody." [Image courtesy of Shanghai Animation Film Studio]

As of Aug. 11, it had earned more than 615 million yuan ($85.6 million), surpassing 2016's "Big Fish & Begonia" as the top-grossing domestic 2D animation. Ticketing platform Maoyan projects its total could exceed 1.77 billion yuan, cementing its status as this summer's box office dark horse.

The film, produced by Wang Jun, Li Zao and Chen Liaoyu, reimagines the 16th century Chinese novel "Journey to the West" through four marginalized demons — a pig, toad, weasel and ape — who race against the Monkey King's group to obtain Buddhist scriptures in a comedic adventure.

"Thanks for your support! We'll keep pushing forward," producer Li Zao told China.org.cn when asked about the film's success.

With its strong performance, "Nobody" is even poised to challenge the all-time 2D animated record held by the Japanese film "Suzume," which earned 807 million yuan in China in 2023.

"Nobody" is drawing broad audiences, including children, with its mix of entertainment and relatable themes. The film has resonated with young urban viewers by depicting workplace pressures — tough bosses, family expectations, and the pull between stable jobs and entrepreneurship.

Its characters face setbacks and misunderstandings that mirror ordinary employees' efforts to hold onto personal values, urging viewers to stay true to themselves even when they feel like a "nobody."

Strong word-of-mouth is fueling its run, with an 8.6/10 score on Douban from over 200,000 user reviews.

"Nobody" is the first feature adapted from Shanghai Animation Film Studio's eight-episode anthology "Yao-Chinese Folktales," which went viral in 2023. The film expands on characters from the anthology's namesake 20-minute episode.

The production team of more than 600 artists created about 1,800 shots and 2,000 scene designs, blending traditional Chinese ink-painting techniques with modern lighting and 3D effects.

Riding the success of "Nobody," Shanghai Animation Film Studio told China.org.cn that season two of "Yao-Chinese Folktales" is on the way, with animators already at work.