The Legend Of Hei 2

Source: Encore Films

‘The Legend Of Hei 2’

EXCLUSIVE: Building on the phenomenal success of Ne Zha 2, Singapore-based Encore Films is rolling out a pan-Asian release of Chinese animated feature The Legend Of Hei 2.

The company has secured rights for 16 territories, including Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. Release dates have been confirmed for Malaysia on September 19, Thailand (October 16), Cambodia (October 31) and Indonesia (November 14).

Encore Films manages the distribution through its extensive network of local partners, including fan screenings organised with local cinema partners. Malaysia is leading the way in fan screenings, following an overwhelming online reception.

“The film has already captured the imagination of fans in China,” said Joyce Lee, managing director of Encore Films, who aims to extend that experience to the region. “This is more than a film launch. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the growing influence of Chinese animation with fans across different cultures.”

Encore Films recently distributed Chinese animation Ne Zha 2 – the highest-grossing animation and non-English language film of all time – achieving further record-breaking box office results across Asia.

Directed by MTJJ, The Legend of Hei 2 follows cat spirit Hei as he faces new challenges in a world balancing humans and supernatural beings. The 2D animated film, which opened on July 18, has crossed $71.5m (RMB509m) in mainland China, surpassing the original film’s takings of $44.2m (RMB315m) in 2019.

The film opened in North America through GKids last weekend across 348 cinemas, making it the second biggest opening for a Chinese-language film in the past decade, second only to Ne Zha 2. It grossed an estimated $225,000 from the opening weekend, with a strong per-theatre average.

“The reception of The Legend of Hei 2 in North America shows that Chinese animation is increasingly resonating with international audiences,” said COL Group CEO Ray Tong. “Crossing cultural and linguistic boundaries is never easy, but this response highlights how stories rooted in Chinese creativity can connect with viewers around the world.”

The film is produced by Hanmu Chunhua (HMCH), the animation studio of director MTJJ (real name Zhang Ping). In 2023, COL Group acquired a 51.04% controlling stake in HMCH, becoming the majority stakeholder and strategic backer of the franchise.

With this investment, COL leads international distribution, commercialisation and brand expansion, while HMCH continues to serve as the creative powerhouse behind the film’s production.

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