
(ECNS) -- Yang Yu (better known as Jiaozi), director of Chinese animated blockbuster Ne Zha 2, and his team members have halted all external interviews to focus on the next sequel, according to ZMG News on Wednesday.
A staff member of Coco Bean Animation, the studio behind the film, said that the team hopes the public focus solely on the film for now, which is still in theaters. The decision comes as the movie continues to break box office records, becoming the highest-grossing animated film globally.
The hashtag “Jiaozi halts all interviews” quickly became a trending topic on Chinese social media Weibo.
Industry insiders noted that Cocoa Bean Animation is a team deeply committed to its craft and urged fans to respect the creative process by avoiding disruptions to the director and his team.
As anticipation builds for the next installment, fans are encouraged to stay patient and allow the team the time needed to deliver another masterpiece.
Known for his low-profile demeanor, Jiaozi is renowned for dedicating extensive time to perfecting his works. His first film See Through took three years to complete while the widely acclaimed Ne Zha 2 took five years.
When asked about the release timeline for Ne Zha 3, Jiaozi previously stated that he doesn’t set strict deadlines. Reflecting on the five-year production of Ne Zha 2, he admitted that he initially expected it to take three to four years, "but we ultimately decided that it's better to strive for perfection than to rush things. We’re in this for the long haul, not for quick profits."