Feast Your Eyes on the Lavish Backdrops ...

Ne Zha 2 has already carved out its place in animation historical past—this yr alone, it shattered data to turn into the highest-grossing animated film in addition to the eighth-highest-grossing movie, full cease, of all time. Its fame now precedes it as a world phenomenon, and with that momentum, A24 is ready to debut the movie’s English-language launch—that includes Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh and anime favorite Aleks Le—in theaters and IMAX on August 22. However earlier than the premiere, we’re unveiling unique background artwork that provides a glimpse into the movie’s mythic, meticulously crafted world.

The primary Ne Zha movie, launched in 2020, is a narrative that blends parts of Chinese language mythology with Buddhist, Confucian, and Daoist influences. It follows Ne Zha (voiced by Crystal Lee), who’s the reincarnation of an evil demon orb born to 2 human dad and mom, Girl Yin (performed by Michelle Yeoh) and Li Jing (portrayed by Vincent Rodriguez III).

Within the first movie, out there to observe on Peacock, Ne Zha manages to beat a prophecy that foretold his destruction of the world. His journey is aided by his nurturing dad and mom, religious steerage from Grasp Taiyi (Rick Zieff), and his rising friendship with Ao Bing (voiced by Le), one other baby of prophecy tied to his personal, who shares a dragon heritage that was as soon as fated to be the reason for everlasting enmity.

Ne Zha 2 sees the boys take care of the wrath of Ao Bing’s dragon father, Ao Guang (Christopher Swindle), his aunts and uncles, and his former instructor Shen Gongbao (Daniel Riordan). In the meantime, Ne Zha is tasked with defending his hometown, Chentang Go, whereas going through a collection of heavenly trials filled with mystical kung fu motion and dazzling animation.

Maintain a watch out for io9’s forthcoming assessment of the movie. Within the meantime, sit again, loosen up, and have a gander at among the background artwork for Ne Zha 2. And earlier than you ask, this isn’t idea artwork; these are screenshots from the movie. For many who need to enter the film with out spoilers, you might need to bookmark this web page for later. In any other case, take a look at how Beijing Enlight Media took to coronary heart the idea of “each body a portray” with a preview of among the movie’s lavish backdrops.

Ne Zha 2 background artwork preview

Principal Corridor of Yu Xu Palace © A24/Beijing Enlight Media

Void Rift Encircling Chentang Go. © A24/Beijing Enlight Media

Star-Gazing Platform © A24/Beijing Enlight Media

Chaotic Battle on the Flying Heaven Waterfall © A24/Beijing Enlight Media

Livid Assault on Cranium Mountain © A24/Beijing Enlight Media

Void Rift Encircling Chentang Go © A24/Beijing Enlight Media

Farewell on the Chentang Go Pier © A24/Beijing Enlight Media

Daoist Temples Alongside the Mid-Slopes of Kunlun Mountain © A24/Beijing Enlight Media

Tianyuan Cauldron Divides the Sea © A24/Beijing Enlight Media

Ne Zha 2 is ready to launch nationwide on August 22.

Need extra io9 information? Take a look at when to count on the most recent Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s subsequent for the DC Universe on film and TV, and every part you might want to find out about the way forward for Doctor Who.