Mainland China’s record-breaking Ne Zha 2 to hit cinemas in Hong Kong, Macau

Blockbuster mainland Chinese film Ne Zha 2 is set to hit cinema screens in Hong Kong after the animated tale about a youthful dragon-defying deity broke box office records over the Lunar New Year holiday.

The film, adapted from Chinese mythology, will be released in theatres under the Cinema City, MCL, Cine-Art House and Emperor Cinemas chains in Hong Kong and Macau, according to Beijing Enlight Media and local firm Mandarin Motion Pictures.

The companies said on Thursday that the release date for the critically acclaimed film, a sequel to Ne Zha: The Birth of the Demon Child from 2019, would be announced later.

“Mandarin Motion Pictures has collaborated with Enlight Media for many years and we are honoured to work together again to bring such an excellent Chinese animation to the Hong Kong and Macau markets, allowing audiences to enjoy it in theatres,” company director Raymond Wong Pak-ming said.

The sequel explores how Ne Zha, a boy born with a demonic destiny and great strength, realises that the cosmic order has been manipulated by deity leader Wuliang Xianweng to consolidate power and the superiority of his clan.

While grappling with his self-image and identity, Ne Zha and his best friend Ao Bing unite suppressed spirits in the sea to fight the system.