Yang Yu, the visionary director behind the phenomenal animated films "Ne Zha" and its sequel "Ne Zha 2," has achieved multimillionaire status after overcoming years of poverty and obscurity. His journey from relying on his mother's modest pension to becoming China's highest-grossing director is a testament to perseverance, self-taught animation skills, and an unwavering belief in his artistic vision. The massive global success of the "Ne Zha" franchise, particularly "Ne Zha 2" which has shattered box office records, solidifies his place as a leading figure in Chinese animation, while his personal story of familial support and dedication continues to inspire.
The Architect of Animation Blockbusters
In the fiercely competitive world of cinema, few stories are as inspiring as that of Yang Yu (known professionally by his adopted name, Jiaozi, meaning dumpling in Chinese). The director, screenwriter, and producer of the critically acclaimed and commercially colossal "Ne Zha" (2019) and its even more successful sequel, "Ne Zha 2" (2025), has transitioned from humble beginnings to become a multimillionaire, commanding a reported salary of 2 billion yuan (approximately US$278.7 million) for "Ne Zha 2" alone.
Yang Yu's success is a beacon for aspiring animators and filmmakers, demonstrating that passion, resilience, and talent can indeed conquer adversity.
A Journey Forged in Hardship
Born in Sichuan Province, China, Yang Yu's path was far from conventional. He initially enrolled in the Department of Pharmacy at Sichuan University in 1999, a practical choice influenced by his family. However, his true calling emerged during his third year when he discovered the 3D animation software Maya. Driven by an intense fascination, he dedicated the following year to teaching himself the complex software.
After graduating in 2003, Yang Yu briefly worked in an advertising company. Tragically, his father passed away shortly after. Feeling an overwhelming sense of regret if he didn't pursue his true passion, Yang Yu made the life-altering decision to leave his stable job and commit full-time to animation. When he shared this daunting choice with his mother, her simple yet profound question – "Have you thought this through?" – was followed by her unwavering support.
For the next three to four years, Yang Yu faced significant financial hardship. He lived frugally, relying solely on his mother's meager monthly pension of 1,000 yuan (around $140 USD) to support both of them. He recalled his mother buying discounted vegetables and foregoing new clothes to make ends meet, never complaining about his unconventional path. During this period, he immersed himself in his craft, avoiding distractions, even relationships, believing solitude would foster his growth.
The Breakthrough: "See Through" and Beyond
Yang Yu's perseverance bore fruit in 2008 with the release of his first animated short film, "See Through" (《打，打個大西瓜》). The 16-minute film garnered numerous accolades, including the Special Jury Prize at the 26th Berlin International Short Film Festival and the Gold Award at the 12th Japan TBS DigiCon6 Grand Final. This breakthrough not only earned him critical acclaim but also solidified his place in the animation industry, paving the way for him to co-found a film production company in 2011.
The "Ne Zha" Phenomenon: Cultural Resonance and Global Impact
In 2019, Yang Yu released his directorial animated feature debut, "Ne Zha." The project initially faced skepticism and rejections from major production companies, forcing Yang Yu to turn to smaller studios to realize his vision. His determination paid off spectacularly; "Ne Zha" became a massive hit, grossing over US$700 million globally and setting new benchmarks for Chinese animation.
The success of the first film led to "Ne Zha 2," which has further cemented Yang Yu's legendary status. "Ne Zha 2" has shattered records, becoming the first Chinese film to surpass $1 billion and even $2 billion in a single market (China), and the first non-Hollywood title to join the elite "billion-dollar club" globally. By early 2025, it was recognized as the highest-grossing animated film of all time globally.
Both "Ne Zha" films are lauded not only for their breathtaking visuals and cutting-edge 3D animation (often surpassing international studios) but also for their rich storytelling and deep cultural resonance. Yang Yu meticulously reinterprets the ancient Chinese mythological character of Ne Zha, infusing the narrative with universal themes of breaking stereotypes, embracing true identity, and particularly, unconditional parental love. He openly credits his mother's unwavering support as a key influence, noting that Ne Zha's mother's boundless love mirrors his own family experience.
Despite his immense success, Yang Yu remains grounded and intensely focused on his craft. He has largely declined event invitations and interviews, preferring to let his work speak for itself. As he continues work on the third installment of the "Ne Zha" series, Yang Yu's journey stands as an inspiring testament to the power of a dream, nurtured by sacrifice and relentless dedication.