The phenomenal success of the Chinese animated film "Nezha: Demon Child is Back" ("Nezha 2") has ignited a surge in the intellectual property (IP) market, with related merchandise selling out rapidly and manufacturers scrambling to meet demand.

As of February 9, the film has grossed over 8.1 billion yuan at the box office, making it the first Asian movie to enter the global top 35 highest-grossing films. The film's North American premiere was a sell-out event, further increasing international anticipation.

Merchandise Frenzy: "One Nezha Hard to Find"

The overwhelming popularity of "Nezha 2" has driven a massive demand for licensed merchandise, including:

• Pop Mart's "Nezha 2" blind box figurines sold out within minutes of release.
• Official art books, collectible cards, acrylic prints, film strips, fridge magnets, badges, and stickers have seen soaring sales.
• Second-hand market speculation, with blind box figurines originally priced at 69 yuan each now reselling for up to 230 yuan, while full sets have doubled in price on resale platforms.

This surge in demand mirrors previous successes seen with "Black Myth: Wukong", highlighting the growing influence of China's domestic IP industry.

Factories in Overdrive to Meet Demand

With merchandise selling out, factories in Dongguan, known as China's "Capital of Art Toys," are rushing to ramp up production. The city is home to over 4,000 toy manufacturers and 1,500 supporting companies, producing nearly 30% of the world's animation-related merchandise and 80% of China's collectible toys.

• Guangdong Henglitai Craft Co., a Dongguan-based manufacturer, has been overwhelmed by demand, with its first batch of 300,000 units selling out immediately.
• Manufacturers are now expanding production to include supporting characters like Shen Gongbao, Taiyi Zhenren, and the mystical "Barrier Beast", following fan requests.

China's IP Industry Reaches New Heights

Experts believe the success of "Nezha 2" is not just a triumph for the film but a breakthrough for China's IP industry. The rise of domestic animation, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and flexible brand collaborations have shaped China's global competitiveness in the cultural economy.

As China continues to produce world-class animation and gaming IPs, industry leaders predict that Chinese-made franchises will increasingly dominate global markets.

Related News:

'Ne Zha' sequel sets box office record for Chinese animation

Exclusive | 'Ne Zha 2' breaks records as it dominates Chinese New Year box office

Mainland's box office pre-sales for Spring Festival season hit RMB 200 mn