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.

Michelle Yeoh Breaks Down the Most Emotional Scene in ‘Ne Zha 2’

“I was, like, swimming in a puddle when I was recording that.”

I think it’s very interesting that you say that because I was watching it, expecting it to be a kids’ film. There was an emotional moment in that movie that I started crying, and I was like, “Oh my god.” I did not expect to be hit with this type of energy from this movie. It’s definitely very strong in the family elements, which is the reason why I started crying, because of the character that you play. That scene, I mean, you know the one I’m talking about.
Oh, yes. I was, like, swimming in a puddle when I was recording that. I think that’s what it is. It’s so fantastical, right? It’s this little kid with the wheels at his feet and fiery eyes, and he’s so feisty. Then, suddenly, his best friend is so beautiful and calm and serene. It’s fire and ice. But then, as you go along, everybody tells you, “He’s a demon. He should die in three years because he’s just pure evil.” But there is something about him that you know, everybody should be given a chance. Just because he’s different, you have to deem him bad or unlovable.
That’s what I want the kids to see. When you’re a child, you act up and you don’t understand why your parents don’t just simply do whatever you want, and to show them the love of what parents would do for you, the mother, the father, and especially the mother, all the way through it until the end. I mean, the father is part of the story, but still. For children to be able to see that and appreciate that, I think that’s a very important journey for them, as well.

It’s nice that all of the characters have that too. Family is really important to them. Even characters that I was like, “Oh, this guy seems like the villain,” and then I was like, “Oh no, he actually really cares about his family!”
Yes, right. I think that’s what it is. It’s like, well, he looks evil. He looks demonic, so he must be bad. You’re not even given a chance.

Michelle Yeoh Describes the Meaning Behind ‘Ne Zha 2’

“I think that relates to a lot of young people today when they are going through life…”

The characters that we see… it’s so great. You really can’t judge anybody by their appearance.
Right. I think that’s what the core of this story is, even though it’s set in one of our most loved mythologies and myths. The Monkey King and Ne Zha is also one of them that we grew up with. At the core of it, it really is about family. It’s about love. It’s about self-acceptance, your journey, and refusing to bow your head to what they deem is your fate and just accept it. It’s like, no, you have to believe in yourself and stand up for your self-worth.
I think that relates to a lot of young people today when they are going through life, and just because they’re a little different, people put them in boxes and say, “Oh, you’re a loser. You’ll never amount to anything.” And for you to stand up and go, “No, I’m not. I will not go into that corner just because you think…” This resonates very strongly, that bond that we all want. We all reach our hand out for a friend, and that, I thought, was so beautiful. It’s the sense of sacrifice. I mean, a mother and child, yes, that’s unwavering, but to be able to find a friend who would do the same, that’s magic.

I’m Chinese, so I was like, “I can understand. I can get the connection to the mythology that.” I grew up in America, so I don’t have an intense connection, but I was like, “Oh, this will be a fun experience.” Then I was like, “Oh, wow. Now I’m crying. I’m emotional at 11:00 at night. I’m going through it.” It was unexpected to say the least.
Oh, that’s precious. That’s so precious. I just want somehow for even the children, everyone, especially in America, to be able to open their hearts and minds and just go into the cinema and watch this incredible bit of storytelling from the five years of work of dedication from Yu Yang, the director, and his team. They wove such a beautiful, stunning tapestry of heartfelt, stunning visuals. It’s just mind-blowing. I really hope that it will be loved as much as the rest of the world. And I think that’s one of the reasons why the dubbing into English is important. I wholeheartedly supported it because young audiences will not be able to read subtitles. It’s too complex in that way. You need to hear it, as well.

Michelle Yeoh Teases ‘Blade Runner 2099’

“If you love the Blade Runner movies, you’re going to just adore this.”

You are like the busiest woman in Hollywood, but out of all your upcoming projects, I’m the most curious about Blade Runner 2099 and what you can tease about that. I know you’re playing a replicant, but that’s one of my favorite movies, so I’m really curious what we might see.
You already know too much.

That’s on the Wikipedia!
[Laughs] I can just tell you that I was so happy making the Blade Runner series with Hunter Schafer and the rest of my crew and team. If you love the Blade Runner movies, you’re going to just adore this. They’ve created the world that even a hardcore Blade Runner fan would go, “Yeah, I get it.” That’s all I’m going to tell you for the moment.

Do you have any idea when it’s going to come out? Because I’ve been waiting for a release date or some kind of information.
No! We’re waiting with bated breath, like, “Come on, give us a clue!” I think they want to get it absolutely right before, and also plan the marketing. You know how important that is, so that we all get to really jump on the boat and everyone be on the same page and ready to sail out to meet the rest of the world with the series.

Michelle Yeoh Discloses Her Feelings About ‘Star Trek: Section 31’ After Release

“But I think visually, the characters that we built and the rapport that we had with each other was amazing.”

One last thing about Star Trek: Section 31. I know you were a huge advocate for that film. I wanted to know if you were disappointed by the feedback to the film that you got. If there was anything different that you would go back and do, would you do anything differently about it?
Well, as all things go, you do your best for what you believe in. I think there were some things that we could have done better, but on the whole, I thought, Olatunde [Osunsanmi], our director, our showrunner, our writer… Because we are walking a very fine balance between Star Trek  and Section 31, because we wanted to push the boundaries of what Star Trek: Section 31 is about, but really being so respectful to the Star Trek world. So, I think we treaded carefully. But I think visually, the characters that we built and the rapport that we had with each other was amazing. Every time I finish a movie or something, I always think, “I could have done better,” so it’s nothing new. That’s how you always have to think to improve yourself and to hopefully be better the next time. But it’s very hard to please all of your audience all of the time.