Michelle Yeoh Brings Fierce Maternal Depth to Lady Yin in ‘Ne Zha 2,’ a $2 Billion Animated Blockbuster – The Pop Blog

Variety published an interview with Michelle Yeoh, who voices Lady Yin in the English-dubbed version of Ne Zha 2, a Chinese animated sensation from A24 that has grossed $2 billion worldwide and landed in North American theaters on August 15. Directed by Yang Yu, the sequel to 2019’s Ne Zha—China’s highest-grossing animated film until recently surpassed by Chang’an—follows the rebellious young demigod Ne Zha, born with uncontrollable powers to mortal parents, as he battles an ancient force threatening humanity. Yeoh, drawn to the project after being “blown away” by the original and the sequel’s stunning visuals, brings emotional depth to Lady Yin, a warrior-mother who fiercely protects her son. The film, boasting a 92% Rotten Tomatoes score, continues to captivate global audiences with its blend of Chinese mythology, slapstick humor, and cutting-edge animation.

Yeoh, an Oscar winner for Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) and beloved for Crazy Rich Asians (2018), spoke with Variety’s Jazz Tangcay about her connection to the Ne Zha story, rooted in her childhood familiarity with Chinese mythology, including characters like the Monkey King. “I grew up with this mythology… I have such vivid imagery of this kid, Ne Zha, with the fire wheels and his spear. He’s spunky and feisty,” she said, praising the filmmakers for pushing animation boundaries and bridging generational gaps with contemporary storytelling. Lady Yin, a warrior defending her city alongside her husband, General Li Jing (voiced by Daniel Wu in the English dub), resonated with Yeoh for her multifaceted role as “mother, woman, wife, warrior—the whole package.” Despite the village’s rejection of Ne Zha as a “cursed” child, Lady Yin’s unwavering resolve to protect him and help him change his fate struck a chord. “She wasn’t going to give him up… That really resonated with me,” Yeoh noted, emphasizing the universal maternal instinct to shield one’s child.

The English-dubbed cast, featuring Simu Liu as Ne Zha, Winston Duke as the Monkey King, and Bowen Yang as the comic-relief dragon Ao Bing, broadens the film’s appeal, with Yeoh’s performance anchoring emotional scenes like Lady Yin’s advice to Ne Zha, “You must be brave and walk your path,” and their heart-wrenching final hug. “I was sobbing like a kid,” Yeoh admitted, highlighting the raw emotion required for dubbing. The film’s global success, surpassing Inside Out 2’s $1.69 billion to become the highest-grossing animated film of 2025, is fueled by its vibrant pop-art style and a soundtrack with hits like “Fire Wheels” topping global charts. X posts reflect fan enthusiasm, with users like @AnimationDaily calling it “a visual masterpiece with heart,” though some note the English dub’s slight disconnect from the original Mandarin’s cultural nuances.

Yeoh also addressed the surge in Asian animation’s popularity, noting how younger generations embrace diverse cultures through music and film. “Kids are singing Korean, Japanese, and Chinese songs… It transcends melody, music, and emotions,” she said, citing her experience at KCON L.A., where diverse crowds danced to K-pop. Ne Zha 2 introduces Western audiences to Chinese mythology, joining films like KPop Demon Hunters in showcasing Asian storytelling. Yeoh’s love for maternal roles, seen in Crazy Rich Asians’ Eleanor Young, shines through, with her noting Eleanor’s protective instincts mirrored Lady Yin’s. On plane rides, Yeoh avoids her own films, opting for the latest Chinese, Korean, and Japanese releases to stay connected to her cultural roots.

Ne Zha 2’s box office dominance, with $742 million in China alone and strong performances in markets like Japan and South Korea, underscores its universal appeal. A24’s strategic North American release, paired with festival screenings at TIFF and NYFF, positions it as a 2026 Oscar contender for Best Animated Feature, challenging Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King. With Yeoh’s star power and the film’s emotional and visual impact, Ne Zha 2 is a cultural milestone, bridging East and West while cementing Yeoh’s legacy as a versatile icon. For updates, follow A24 (@a24) on Instagram or check Variety’s coverage.

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