'Captain America must die in China': Nationalism fuels Ne Zha 2 fans

Ne Zha 2 is a new animated film from China that has captured the hearts of many viewers. The story revolves around a young boy who possesses magical powers and battles against various demons. Recently, Ne Zha 2 has achieved remarkable success, becoming the highest-grossing animated film globally, with box office earnings reaching an impressive 12. 3 billion yuan, which is equivalent to approximately 1. 7 billion dollars. This achievement has sparked a wave of national pride among Chinese audiences, who are celebrating the film's triumph. However, as fans of Ne Zha 2 revel in its success, they are also keeping a watchful eye on critics of the film, accusing them of seeking attention or being paid to spread negativity. One of the most notable rivalries that has emerged is between Ne Zha 2 and the American superhero film Captain America: Brave New World. Many fans have taken to social media to express their disdain for Captain America 4, with a popular slogan circulating that states, 'I don't care if Ne Zha 2 can survive overseas, but Captain America 4 must die in China. ' This sentiment reflects the strong sense of pride that fans feel for their own film. In fact, there has been a noticeable gloating over the underwhelming performance of Captain America 4 in China, where it has only managed to earn 10. 6 million dollars out of the 92 million dollars it made outside the United States. Some commentators have gone so far as to argue that the issue lies not with Captain America but with America itself, claiming that the United States lacks true superheroes and is not a peaceful nation. In a show of support for Ne Zha 2, one cinema in Sichuan province even decided to halt screenings of Captain America 4. Meanwhile, some fans have voiced their concerns that Ne Zha 2 did not receive enough screenings in North American theaters, believing that American cinemas are prioritizing other films over the Chinese production. The film was released in China on January 29, 2025, during the Lunar New Year holiday, a time when many families flock to the cinema. Ne Zha 2 quickly rose to prominence, surpassing the 1 billion dollar mark in ticket sales within just two weeks, a remarkable feat considering the current economic challenges in China. The film is being hailed as a symbol of progress for the Chinese film industry, demonstrating that domestic productions can compete with Hollywood blockbusters. Historically, successful Chinese films have often been patriotic action movies, but Ne Zha 2 stands out as a different kind of success. Interestingly, more than 99% of its box office earnings are coming from China, highlighting its significance as a representation of national pride. On social media, many fans are proudly sharing that they have watched Ne Zha 2 multiple times, while those who have not seen the film are facing teasing from their peers. One user shared that a friend accused them of being unpatriotic simply because they had not watched Ne Zha 2. The film was also released in other countries, including Australia and the United States, earlier in February. As audiences took to social media to share their thoughts on the film, some criticisms emerged, including concerns about the plot's coherence and the humor's awkwardness. However, these criticisms were met with a wave of defensive responses from fans, who believe that anyone who speaks negatively about the film is either seeking attention or is being compensated for their opinions. A user on Xiaohongshu, a popular social media platform in China, remarked that critics of Ne Zha 2 are either clout-chasers or are being paid to spread negativity. This kind of backlash is not new, but it has intensified due to the film's overwhelming success. Fans perceive any criticism as an attack on their national pride and a form of support for Hollywood, which they view unfavorably. They are warning others about a growing number of critics who are targeting Ne Zha 2 out of jealousy. The success of Ne Zha 2 is also helping to introduce characters from Chinese mythology to audiences around the world, and it has received praise for its animation quality and special effects. However, the film's association with nationalism has raised concerns among some individuals in China about the political implications it carries. One user on Xiaohongshu expressed that while Ne Zha 2 has become a cultural phenomenon, this may not be entirely positive. They noted that criticizing the film's flaws is often equated with being unpatriotic, and that the discourse surrounding the movie has devolved into a battle between fans and critics rather than fostering meaningful discussions about its content.