Hilarious, hard-headed, and honorable: Meet the characters of “Ne Zha 2”

Now the highest-grossing film of all time, Ne Zha 2 is set to arrive in the Philippines, including in IMAX and 4DX cinemas. The animated sequel brings back the beloved characters from Ne Zha to face a whole new set of challenges. To prepare for the action-packed sequel, here’s   a refresher of the main players in Ne Zha 2:

Ne Zha

Ne Zha was born of the Demon Orb, one half of the primordial Chaos Pearl. This reincarnation gives Ne Zha mastery of flame, but also a demonic personality. Together with Ao Bing, he saved the world and gave up his physical form by defying his fate of being destroyed by heavenly lightning.

Ao Bing

Ao Bing is the reincarnation of the Spirit Pearl, the other half of the Chaos Pearl. Son of the Dragon King, the kind-hearted Ao Bing has powers of ice, along with a gentle nature. His physical form was also destroyed by heavenly lightning as he helped his friend, Ne Zha, overcome its power.

Ao Guang

Ao Guang is more commonly known as the powerful Dragon King, head of the Dragon Clan. He has the monumental task of holding down demons underneath his realm, protecting humankind. Protective of his son Ao Bing, he threatens to destroy Chentang Pass, Ne Zha’s home, for what happened to his son.

Taiyi Zhenren

Taiyi Zhenren originally tasked to send the Spirit Pearl to Lady Yin and Li Jing, but when Shen Gongbao steals the pearl, Lady Yin gives birth instead to Ne Zha, the reincarnation of the Demon Orb. Taiyi takes Ne Zha under his wing as a disciple, and is now tasked to rebuild Ne Zha and Ao Bing’s physical forms.

Shen Gongbao

Shen Gongbao is the Dragon King’s loyal disciple, stealing the Spirit Pearl for him to imbue Ao Bing with powers. He tried to instill the same loyalty to Ao Bing, taking him as his student. Much to his dismay, Ao Bing forged his own path and befriended Ne Zha, and with the Dragon King, they’re plotting revenge against Chentang Pass and humankind.

Rise to the challenge and don’t miss the cultural phenomenon that is Ne Zha 2, out in Philippine cinemas March 12.

(ROHN ROMULO)