Nezha 2 sparks IP gold rush as it shatters box office records

The total commercial value of the Nezha IP is projected to reach as high as 350 billion yuan, cementing its status as one of China's most valuable entertainment assets.

On March 11, 2025, in Fengtian Alley, Shenyang, an artist painted a Nezha 2-themed mural. Photo from

On March 11, 2025, in Fengtian Alley, Shenyang, an artist painted a Nezha 2-themed mural. Photo from

China's latest box office sensation, Nezha 2, has shattered multiple records, becoming the first Asian film to surpass 10 billion yuan and US$2 billion in global box office revenue. It has also claimed the title of the highest-grossing animated film worldwide.​​

The film's commercial success has triggered a gold rush in IP licensing. More than 20 brands have already partnered with the franchise, while licensing fees have surged from 5 million yuan (about USD 690,000) to 9 million yuan (about USD 1.24 million). Despite the sharp rise, companies are scrambling to secure collaborations.

A report by Kaiyuan Securities estimates that merchandise and spin-offs from the Nezha franchise could generate 100 billion to 150 billion yuan (about US$13.8 billion to US$20.7 billion) in revenue. With the film expanding its audience base, the total commercial value of the Nezha IP is projected to reach 300 billion to 350 billion yuan (about US$41.4 billion to US$48.2 billion), cementing its status as one of China's most valuable entertainment assets.