Michelle Yeoh believes Ne Zha 2 could serve as a significant bridge for cultural exchange between East and West.
The 63-year-old Malaysian actress lends her voice to Lady Yin – Ne Zha’s mother – in the English-language version of the Chinese box-office phenomenon. She expressed her excitement about joining the project, noting its potential to influence the global film landscape for years to come.
Speaking to People, Michelle shared: “I watched Ne Zha 2 in Chinese, and even then I thought, ‘I hope they release an English version so that young children everywhere can enjoy and understand it.’ So when I was asked if I’d be interested, I immediately said yes. Somehow, whenever A24 and I collaborate, magic happens.”
Yeoh believes the film could pave the way for more Chinese stories in Western cinema. Having started her career in Hong Kong before moving on to Hollywood, she stressed the importance of such projects: “It is so important as a cultural exchange, a way to open doors for more Chinese stories to be told—especially the mythological ones. Our culture is filled with rich lore from the three realms: the heavens, the earth, and the seas.”
Ne Zha 2 tells the story of the mythological hero Ne Zha and his friend Ao Bing. Yeoh admires how the film blends timeless mythology with modern storytelling, making it accessible to younger audiences: “They’ve preserved the classic myth while adding a contemporary touch. That’s how you bridge generational gaps. It’s timeless, yet timely.”
For Yeoh, Ne Zha holds personal significance. She revealed her admiration for the rebellious spirit of the character since childhood: “Ne Zha has always been one of my favourites because he represents those who feel unseen, rejected, or out of place. He never gave up and always fought injustice. As a kid, I was so inspired by this spunky boy riding fire wheels—I wanted to be that fearless demigod who stood up for justice.”
With a career spanning iconic roles in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Crazy Rich Asians, and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Michelle Yeoh now sees Ne Zha 2 as another milestone in connecting global audiences through the power of storytelling.
