Michelle Yeoh Calls Ne Zha II an ‘Important Cultural Exchange’ (Exclusive)

Ne Zha II is the highest-grossing animated movie of all time, and Michelle Yeoh is honored to be part of its journey.

The Wicked actress, 63, lends her voice to Lady Yin — the mother of Ne Zha — in the English-language version of the Chinese box office phenomenon, hitting theaters on August 22, and says she is thrilled to be involved.

“I had seen Ne Zha II in Chinese, and even at that time I thought, ‘I hope they do an English version, because you want little kids to be able to see it and understand,’” she tells PEOPLE about the film, which tells the story of the rebellious young demigod Ne Zha, who struggles with his powers and the looming threat of humanity’s destruction. “So when they did come to me and said, ‘Would this interest you?’ I jumped right in… Somehow, when A24 and I get together, we get a little magic going.”

For Yeoh, Ne Zha II resonates on a deeper level — not just because of its storytelling, but also because of its cultural significance. “It is so important as a cultural exchange; an opening for more Chinese stories that need to be told,” she explains about the franchise, which is inspired by the 16th-century Chinese folklore novel The Investiture of the Gods. “Especially the mythological side of it. We’re so rich in lore with the three realms: the heavens, the earth and the seas.”

It’s the way the film preserves traditional mythology while making it accessible for modern audiences that drew Yeoh in. “The storytelling is so amazing because they have kept intact the classic myth of how it was before, but added that contemporary way of storytelling,” she says. “So that’s the bridge for the generational gap. Like we say, it is timeless, but timely.”

While the elaborate visuals and thrilling action grab your attention, Yeoh says it’s the emotional depth that stays with viewers. “This is for people who always felt that they’re not seen, or they have been ostracized, or they don’t look right, or they don’t fit in, so that they don’t give up,” the Oscar-winning actress tells PEOPLE. 

She adds, “And that’s why Ne Zha has always been one of my favorite characters because he fought injustice. I think from the minute he was born, he felt very rejected. When I was a kid, I used to be so fascinated and inspired by this spunky kid riding on fire wheels. I wanted to be that cool demigod that fought for justice.”

With the film’s massive success, Yeoh says the role feels even more rewarding and meaningful. “I’m so proud of the director [Yu Yang]. Watching how long it took him and where he came from when he started… he wasn’t even a filmmaker at that time. It’s amazing,” the actress explains. “I just felt very privileged to be able to take it on.”