Ne Zha - Characters & Cast

His primary motivation shifts throughout the film. Initially, it is a simple desire for friendship and acceptance from the villagers. After learning the truth, his motivation becomes defiance—to prove to the heavens and the world that he alone controls his destiny. Finally, it becomes love for his parents and his one friend, Ao Bing, which inspires his ultimate sacrifice.

Ne Zha begins as a lonely, misunderstood, and rebellious child who lashes out at a world that rejects him. Initially believing he is destined for greatness as a demon hunter, he is crushed when he learns the truth—that he is the Demon Orb, fated to be destroyed. Moved by his father's intended sacrifice, he rejects his demonic destiny, embraces his own identity, and chooses to be a hero, saving the village at the cost of his own life. His arc is a powerful journey from resentment to self-acceptance and sacrifice.

Ao Bing is motivated by a deep sense of duty and responsibility to his entire clan. The dragons are imprisoned and seen as demons, and as the Spirit Pearl, he is their only hope for salvation and restoration of their divine status. This heavy burden forces him into conflict with his own conscience and his friendship with Ne Zha.

Ao Bing starts as a kind, gentle, and lonely figure, burdened by the immense expectations of the Dragon Clan. He finds his first true friend in Ne Zha. However, torn between his friendship and his duty to his people, he makes the devastating choice to sacrifice the village to achieve his clan's freedom. In the end, inspired by Ne Zha's selflessness, he defies his own destiny and joins his friend in facing the heavenly punishment, achieving redemption through sacrifice.

His sole motivation is the protection and well-being of his son, Ne Zha. He is willing to defy social pressure, lie to his son about his origins, and ultimately give up his own life to ensure Ne Zha has a chance to live and be seen as a hero, not a demon.

Li Jing is initially presented as a stern and distant military commander. However, his arc reveals him to be a deeply loving and devoted father. He silently bears the burden of his son's fate, seeking a way to save him. His decision to sacrifice his own life for Ne Zha's by using a substitution charm is the ultimate expression of his love, and it's the catalyst for Ne Zha's transformation into a true hero.

Initially motivated by his duty to the Heavenly Lord and the promise of a promotion, his motivation shifts to a genuine sense of responsibility and affection for his student, Ne Zha. He wants to see Ne Zha overcome his fate and is willing to risk everything to help him.

Taiyi Zhenren is a celestial being tasked with delivering the Spirit Pearl but fails due to his love for wine and carelessness. He serves as Ne Zha's mentor, but his comedic incompetence often leads to trouble. Despite his flaws, he genuinely cares for Ne Zha. His arc is one of redemption; after failing in his initial duty, he makes up for it by dedicating himself to training Ne Zha and, crucially, saving the boys' souls at the film's climax.