'Ne Zha 2' hits North American theaters for official release

As of 11:20 a.m. Beijing Time on February 14, "Ne Zha 2" has grossed 10.76 billion yuan (around $1.5 billion US dollars), including pre-sales, making it the first Asian film to enter the global box office top 17. This marks a significant milestone in the film's journey as it officially opens in theaters across North America today, following a premiere on February 8.

Even before its official release in the US, "Ne Zha 2" sparked a wave of excitement, with pre-sale tickets in high demand and local cinemas reporting near-90 percent seat-occupancy rates. The film is now showing in over 700 theaters in North America and on more than 116 screens in Australia and New Zealand.

During Chinese New Year, the film's promotional posters took over large LED screens in New York's Times Square, bringing Chinese festive elements to the iconic location. The movie's presence was also noticed across several subway stations in New York, further fueling anticipation.

As "Ne Zha 2" continues to dominate the global stage, The New York Times published an article titled "Who Needs Hollywood? Chinese Animated Film Shatters Box Office Records," highlighting how "Ne Zha 2" is yet another example of the global potential of Chinese movie productions.