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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Screen & Stage • Film

Ne Zha

Ne Zha is a Chinese animated fantasy film series centred on the mythological figure Ne Zha, beginning with the 2019 film *Ne Zha* and continuing with the 2025 sequel *Ne Zha 2*.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Ne Zha is a Chinese animated fantasy film series centred on the mythological figure Ne Zha, beginning with the 2019 film *Ne Zha* and continuing with the 2025 sequel *Ne Zha 2*.

What it is

The franchise is built around the mythological character Ne Zha. The first film introduced a revised origin story in which Ne Zha is born under a dark prophecy and must decide whether to fulfil or defy it.

Key details

The 2019 film was written and directed by Jiaozi and produced by Chengdu Coco Cartoon. It centres on Ne Zha’s upbringing as an outcast in Chengtang Pass after he is born with the power associated with the demon orb. *Ne Zha 2* is a direct sequel that continues the story of Ne Zha and Ao Bing.

Why it matters

The series explores themes of resisting destiny and choosing one’s own path. It has reached international audiences, including Canadian viewers, through theatrical and home-viewing releases.

In short

  • Ne Zha is a Chinese animated fantasy film series based on the mythological figure.
  • The first film (2019) follows a boy born with feared powers who defies prophecy.
  • The sequel *Ne Zha 2* (2025) continues the story of Ne Zha and Ao Bing.
  • The series is loosely based on the 16th-century novel *Investiture of the Gods*.
Canadian angle

The film has been available to international audiences through theatrical and home-viewing releases, and Canadian viewers may encounter it through local streaming, digital rental, or festival programming depending on rights availability.

Quick questions

What is Ne Zha about?
It follows a boy born with feared supernatural powers who is treated as an outcast and must choose between fulfilling a destructive prophecy or defying fate to become a hero.
What is the Ne Zha sequel?
The sequel is *Ne Zha 2* (2025), a direct continuation of the 2019 film that follows Ne Zha and Ao Bing.
Who are the main Ne Zha characters?
Key characters include Ne Zha, Li Jing, Lady Yin, Taiyi Zhenren, Shen Gongbao, and Ao Bing.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ne_Zha_(2019_film)
    Supports: 2019 film title, year, director Jiaozi, studio, plot premise, and source material
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ne_Zha_2
    Supports: 2025 sequel title, direct-sequel status, and continuation of the Ne Zha/Ao Bing कहानी
  3. Raising Children Network — https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/movie-reviews/ne-zha
    Supports: plot summary and principal characters including Ne Zha, Li Jing, Lady Yin, Taiyi, Shen Gongbao, and Ao Bing
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ne_zha
    Supports: short synopsis of the 2019 film’s premise
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10627720/
    Supports: alternate plot summary and character premise for the 2019 film