Chinese box office phenom Ne Zha 2 begins with a helpful recap for new viewers, and those already familiar with the franchise, to keep track of the elaborate tale. The animated sequel, which has been on a record-breaking spree since releasing in China during the Lunar New Year holiday and reaches North America today, expands on the characters and mythology of the 2019 hit film.

Demon Orb Ne Zha (voiced by Joseph) and Spirit Orb Aobing (Mo Han) died at the end of the previous Ne Zha, or at least their physical bodies did. As the sequel begins, Master Immortal Taiyi (Jiaming Zhang) constructs new bodies for them out of the Sacred Lotus. Unfortunately, Aobing’s perishes before his soul can settle in, but Taiyi has an idea: Both Ne Zha and Aobing can share Ne Zha’s body for seven days. If they can complete Master Wuliang’s (Deshun Wang) ascension trials,...