The “Demon” Boy: Why Western Perceptions of Ne Zha Might Be Wrong

There’s been a lot of talk online recently about a Chinese animated film that’s breaking records as the most viewed in China. Merely days after its premiere on January 29, 2025, it surpassed the $1 billion mark in ticket sales. And it doesn’t stop there. Before I say more about the film itself and why we’re dealing with a phenomenon, let me address a grievance that bothers me – someone trying to bring China closer, yet raised in our culture.


The main character, Ne Zha, is referred to in English-language Chinese media, aimed at the Western world, as a ‘demon’. This is a result of the Chinese completely misunderstanding our culture, where the word ‘demon’ has clearly negative connotations. As a result, such a portrayal of the film’s hero could distort its reception in the West, where many might wonder what China’s aim is in promoting a demon. Maybe I’m ...