The total box office revenue of the Chinese animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2," including presales, surpassed 2 billion U.S. dollars as of Monday afternoon, according to box office tracker Maoyan Data, making it the first Asian film to reach this milestone.
With its record-breaking success, it is now the highest-grossing animated film of all time globally and the seventh highest-grossing film ever. As the movie's box office revenue continues to surge, "Ne Zha 2" is expected to surpass "Avengers: Infinity War" (which grossed about 2.05 billion U.S. dollars) to claim the sixth spot.
In addition, in Hong Kong and Macao, the total box office of the animated film, which debuted in local cinemas on February 22, has surpassed 32 million Hong Kong dollars (about 4.1 million U.S. dollars) as of Sunday, setting a new record for the highest-grossing Chinese mainland film in the regions.
As of March 2, "Ne Zha 2" was still being screened in over 800 showings across Hong Kong and Macao, with more than 600 screenings scheduled for March 3 and 4.
The film's popularity has sparked a "Ne Zha fever" in Hong Kong, with local businesses embracing the trend. Restaurants have introduced themed meal sets, while many Hong Kong moviegoers are watching the film multiple times and sharing their appreciation on social media, calling it an "energy booster."
To echo its popularity, Hong Kong's Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) aired Ne Zha 1 during prime time on February 28, offering audiences both Mandarin and Cantonese dubbing options.
Ne Zha 2 box office breaks 2 bln US dollars, first in Asia
Ne Zha 2 box office breaks 2 bln US dollars, first in Asia
Ne Zha 2 box office breaks 2 bln US dollars, first in Asia
The three astronauts of China's recently-returned Shenzhou-20 mission on Friday shared the experiences of their dramatic 204-day space mission, including detailing the emergency procedures which were implemented to bring them safely home after their return capsule was struck by space debris.
The trio -- Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie -- met with the press in Beijing on Friday afternoon, marking their first public appearance since returning to Earth in November.
When detailing the emergency response mechanisms which were enacted prior to their scheduled return, the astronauts explained that upon discovering a triangular crack on the spacecraft's viewport window, they immediately took photos for documentation and transmitted them to the ground team, who swiftly activated an emergency plan to get the trio home safely.
Experienced mission commander Chen Dong explained how the crew had complete faith in their colleagues on the ground to find a solution to these unforeseen circumstances which led to their return being delayed.
"First, we must trust the ground team, who would anticipate everything and develop the safest return plan for us. Second, we must believe in ourselves; as well-trained astronauts, we have the ability to manage various unexpected failures. I believe that with the collaboration of astronauts and researchers on the ground, our space home will surely go farther, more steadily, and for a longer time," he said.
Following their extended stay in space as a result of the debris incident, the Shenzhou-20 crew spent a total 204 days in orbit, setting a new record for the longest duration by a single group of Chinese astronauts.
During their mission, they completed multiple payload operations, conducted extensive scientific experiments, and carried out four extravehicular activities.
"Our crew worked together with the ground team in unity and coordination, completing four extravehicular activities, several payload entry and exit tasks, and a large number of scientific experiments. It was a fulfilling yet challenging mission. The path to exploring the heavens is long and arduous, but I firmly believe that China's space missions will succeed," said Chen Zhongrui, a former air force pilot who was making his first spaceflight during the mission.
"From the ground to space, from learning to application, I have deeply felt the solid progress of Chinese space endeavors and the quiet dedication of countless personnel behind the scenes. In the future, I will accomplish each mission with full commitment, living up to the trust of the motherland and the people," said fellow astronaut Wang Jie, who was also making his debut spaceflight.
After returning to Earth on Nov 14, the trio successfully completed their isolation recovery and rehabilitation and will now resume normal training following health assessments.
The crew's return, originally scheduled for Nov 5, was postponed due to safety concerns, with the astronauts later using the return capsule belonging to their successor crew of the Shenzhou-21 mission to get back to Earth. China later launched the unmanned Shenzhou-22 spacecraft which will serve the future return of the crew now aboard the Tiangong Space Station.
Shenzhou-20 astronauts share experiences after safely returning from debris incident
