《哪吒之魔童闹海》导演饺子专访 | Interview with Ne Zha 2 Director Jiaozi 🗣️🎙️

After the phenomenal success of Ne Zha (2019), which broke box office records and redefined Chinese animation, director Yang Yu (Jiaozi) is back with an even more ambitious sequel: 《哪吒之魔童闹海》(Ne Zha 2: The Devil Child’s Ocean Havoc).

In this exclusive interview, Jiaozi shares insights on the making of Ne Zha 2, the challenges of creating a sequel, and his vision for the future of Chinese animation.

🎬 The Pressure of Following Up a Legend
Q: Ne Zha (2019) became the highest-grossing Chinese animated film ever. How did you feel about making a sequel?
Jiaozi: "Honestly, I felt a mix of excitement and pressure. The first film set such a high standard, and audiences had deep emotional connections with Ne Zha. But I didn't want to just repeat the success—I wanted to challenge myself and the team to push even further. Ne Zha 2 had to be more than just bigger battles and better visuals; it had to carry deeper emotions and a fresh take on the legend."

🖥️ Elevating Animation: What’s New in Ne Zha 2
Q: How does Ne Zha 2 improve upon the animation of the first film?
Jiaozi: "Technology in animation evolves fast. This time, we used a combination of motion capture, AI-assisted rendering, and upgraded CGI models. The biggest challenge was the ocean scenes—we wanted the water to feel dynamic and alive. The battles in the ocean needed to reflect the power of mythical beings while maintaining realism. It took our team months to perfect just a few seconds of footage."

⚡ A Darker, More Complex Ne Zha
Q: What can fans expect from Ne Zha’s character development in the sequel?
Jiaozi: "Ne Zha in this film is older, stronger, but also more conflicted. In the first movie, he fought against destiny. In this one, he struggles with the consequences of his choices. The theme of 破而后立 (breaking before rebuilding) is central—sometimes, to grow, you must first be broken. This time, Ne Zha faces an even greater challenge than just proving himself—he must define who he truly is."

🌊 The Role of Ao Bing & The Ocean Battle
Q: Fans loved Ao Bing in the first film. What’s his role in Ne Zha 2?
Jiaozi: "Ao Bing returns, but his journey is much deeper this time. He’s not just a rival—he’s someone who also struggles with identity and responsibility. The tension between Ne Zha and Ao Bing will lead to some of the most intense battle sequences we've ever done. The ocean itself plays a major role, almost like a character in the film."

🎵 Music, Emotion, and Sound Design
Q: The soundtrack of Ne Zha (2019) was iconic. How did you approach the music for the sequel?
Jiaozi: "Music is the soul of a film. This time, we expanded the orchestral arrangements and incorporated more traditional Chinese instruments to create a richer, more immersive experience. Sound design was also key—every wave crash, every fire burst, had to feel cinematic. We wanted audiences to feel the weight of every battle."

🎭 The Future of Chinese Animation
Q: Ne Zha changed the landscape of Chinese animation. Where do you see the industry heading?
Jiaozi: "We’re in an exciting time. Chinese animation is no longer just trying to ‘catch up’—we are now defining our own style. With the success of Ne Zha, Jiang Ziya, and White Snake, we’ve proven that our stories have global appeal. I hope Ne Zha 2 continues to push the boundaries and inspire even more original animated films."

🎬 Final Words: What Do You Want Audiences to Take Away?
Jiaozi: "I hope Ne Zha 2 moves people, makes them think, and most importantly, gives them a story they’ll remember. This film is about breaking limits—not just for Ne Zha, but for ourselves as well. I can’t wait for everyone to experience it."