While looking for the latest word about when Ne Zha 2 will hit home video, and the next film, Ne Zha 3 will release, there are rumours suggesting it could arrive as early as this year. These expectations are far too optimistic. While the 2026 Chinese animation production schedule shows what’s being developed, not everything will be ready to screen until the following year, or much later.
What is confirmed regarding the former is the fact that the third film is actively in development. However, it’s moving forward on a timeline shaped more by precision than speed. Nailing the story and making it visually stunning is clearly the priority. As for the home video release of Ne Zha 2, I have been looking, and right now only bootlegs exist. I suspect it won’t appear until after its streaming run on HBO Max has ended. That, for now, is the definitive news.
As for the latter studio and what comes after Strange Tales, they have new films almost ready to release. The details of their take on Romance of the Three Kingdoms will be covered in a separate upcoming article.
As for what hasn’t appeared in the North American market, and globally, there are still no clear signs of where to officially find White Snake 3 and Strange Tales: Lan Ruo Temple. According to TheNumbers.com, the latter has limited screenings in Japan at the end of the month. It’s unlikely to travel further beyond that. For now, it seems we all will have to wait. For those wondering what the 2026 Chinese Animation release looks like, we got it listed below. Fans do not have to pout like Ne Zha. In what’s known, at least the following is certain:
- In April 2025, Enlight Pictures chairman Wang Changtian officially confirmed that Ne Zha 3 had entered active development. Director Jiaozi (Yang Yu) returned to lead the project, continuing his long-standing collaboration with Cocoa Bean Animation.
- Jiaozi and his team reportedly halted interviews and public appearances to concentrate fully on scripting and early pre-production, a decision consistent with his reputation for obsessive refinement.
- Current estimates place a realistic release window somewhere between 2028 and 2030. There is, however, an industry rumour suggesting the studio may aim for a Chinese New Year 2028 debut, made more feasible by an established production pipeline and experienced team.
This third film will be the concluding chapter of this trilogy. As the second film dramatically raised the stakes, particularly through the destruction of Ao Bing’s physical form and the deepening bond between him and Ne Zha, their brotherhood will stand in contrast to what the monks are after. The next film is expected to focus on their journey to Yu Xy Palace in search of the elixir of immortality and a permanent body for the Dragon Prince.
As part two revealed Master Xian Wuliang’s larger plan with the Chan Sect, how this conflict unfolds is expected to be as grand as other epics. No direct comparisons need to be made, as cultivation itself is the driving force here, but it comes at an extreme cost. The third film is widely expected to centre on the Second Deification War, with Ne Zha and Ao Bing confronting Wuliang’s betrayal of the dragons and exposing the cost of divine corruption.
There are also signs that the franchise’s mythological scope will continue to widen. A mid-credits appearance by Jiang Ziya in the previous film hinted at deeper connections within the broader Fengshen mythology, suggesting that Ne Zha 3 may finally bridge these narrative threads. Many fans have been eager to see how everything ties together, as the broader catalogue of films is reportedly meant to connect. For now, expectations of a release appear unrealistic. If the past two films are any indication, Ne Zha 3 is being shaped with patience rather than urgency. While that means a longer wait, it also aligns with the approach that turned the series into a landmark success.
2026 Chinese Animation Release Schedule
| Title | Studio | Anticipated Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boonie Bears: The Hidden Protector (熊出没·年年有熊) | Fantawild Animation | Feb 2026 (CNY) | The 12th installment of China’s most successful family franchise. It traditionally dominates the Chinese New Year box office. |
| The Island (去你的岛) |
Light Chaser Animation | 2026 | Adapted from the popular novel by Fan Cheng. Expected to follow the studio’s “New Culture” series style, known for high-end CGI. |
| Action Monster Big Movie (火星怪物) | Bilibili / HuaMei | 1H 2026 | A feature film expansion of the “Action Monster” IP, focusing on a story involving a disheartened director and a demon girl. |
| I Am What I Am 2 (雄狮少年2) |
Sun Haipeng / Gengzi | Early 2026 (Wide) | While it saw limited release late in 2025, its major theatrical run and international push are slated for 2026. |
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