'Ne Zha 2' 

An IMAX poster for "Ne Zha 2." [Image courtesy of IMAX China]

"Ne Zha 2," the sequel to China's highest-grossing animated feature, "Ne Zha," which earned a staggering 5 billion yuan in 2019, continues to draw inspiration from the Ming dynasty novel "Investiture of the Gods."

Written and directed by Yang Yu, also known as Jiaozi, the film follows Ne Zha and his frenemy, the young dragon Ao Bing, after they are resurrected with bodies formed from lotus plants. Resurrection proves to be the least of Ne Zha's challenges when furious dragon kings and their sea armies seek revenge, leading to epic battles as Ne Zha and his father defend their city and people.

Five years in the making, with contributions from more than 4,000 Chinese animation professionals, this ambitious film showcases the country's leading animation expertise. Wang Changtian, president of Enlight Media, promises a distinctively comedic and visually stunning animated blockbuster that enhances every aspect of its predecessor.

The first installment was the first domestic IMAX animated film, breaking all IMAX box office records for animated films in China. The new installment aims to continue this success, offering enhanced visual details designed specifically for IMAX screens.

The family-friendly film will debut in Chinese theaters during the Spring Festival, with plans for releases in global markets including North America, Australia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and South Africa later this year.