After becoming one of the most successful animated movies in history, Ne Zha 2 has been officially released in the United States by A24. Based on characters from Chinese mythology, Ne Zha 2 follows the titular character on a new adventure as Nezha (Crystal Lee) has to help his friend Ao Bing (Aleks Le) get a new body after the two sacrificed theirs in the first film. The 144-minute epic animated film is full of colorful art, exuberant characters, and exciting action sequences. Jam-packed with characters, there’s something for everyone in the film.

In the English-language dubbing of the film, Michelle Yeoh plays Lady Yin, Nezha’s mother. Yeoh imbues the character with the gravitas needed for her character while also delivering some of the most dramatic scenes in the film. We spoke with Yeoh recently about her role in Ne Zha 2, and she gave us insight into what brought her to the animated project. Yeoh also revealed how emotional one of Lady Yin’s biggest scenes made her and what it’s been like bringing this story to Western audiences. The actress also gave a tease about her upcoming project, Blade RUnner 2099 and discussed the release of Star Trek: Section 31.

Michelle Yeoh Wanted To Bring Asian Mythology to Western Audiences

“It’s just one of those things that you could just sit back and look at a different world.”

I just watched the film last night. It was so cute. Such an adorable movie. What was it that brought you onto this project, and what attracted you to this role?
I’m always trying to find stories from my part of the world to find that bridge to be able to bring to our American audiences or to the European audiences. It’s such a nice way to understand what the stories were that I grew up with — this is like our Peter Pan or our Odyssey — so that we can share the cultural differences or embrace the different cultural myths. And it is such a cinematic gem to begin with because the story tells not only of boundaries pushed to spectacular visions, but also is very hardcore on family and self-discovery, a lot of the subject matters that we all can relate to, even as adults. For children, I think it takes them to a very magical world where there are demons and good and bad, with fairies and gods.
It’s just one of those things that you could just sit back and look at a different world. It’s so special. What I really want is that, you know, I watch Moana, I watch Spirited Away, I watch Coco, and I think, “Yes, and they should watch Ne Zha II,” because then you get a full spectrum of all the different mystical and magical realms that are out there. Especially with Ne Zha II, it’s something for everyone, not just for children. Not just for adults, as well.

Read the full interview/article in our press library.