Story behind the voice of a warrior

Lyu Yanting is the voice of Nezha, the protagonist of the Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2, which was released on Jan 29. CHINA DAILY

The Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2 has taken theaters by storm since its release on Jan 29. By Feb 25, it had amassed over 13.8 billion yuan ($1.90 billion), making it the highest-grossing animated film both in China and worldwide.

Yet for Lyu Yanting, 37, the voice behind the protagonist Nezha, the film's massive success was unimaginable when she first took on the role. "I saw it as just another dubbing project," Lyu recalled.

As she delved into Nezha's lines and story, she realized that this adaptation offered a fresh take on the legendary character.

Nezha's origins trace back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907), where he was first depicted as a celestial guardian protecting a monk. Over the centuries, his image evolved through cultural reinterpretations — transforming into a rebellious figure who defies fate and authority, fights for his beliefs and loved ones, and grows into a powerful warrior by overcoming adversity.

Lyu found herself deeply resonating with this modern version of Nezha, particularly his determination, sincerity, and resilience. This connection made her performance feel authentic, as if she were drawing on real emotions rather than simply acting.

However, finding a role that naturally aligns with oneself is rare. This is why Lyu believes that professional voice actors must constantly refine their skills, always preparing for any character that may come their way.

"To be a good voice actor, you need to empathize, imagine, and truly understand the character — their emotions, their situation — which requires both life experience and the ability to see things from different perspectives," Lyu said. "Only by combining personal experience with professional training can you seamlessly bring different characters to life."

Lyu explained that being a voice actor is much like being an actor — only even more challenging.

"The audience can't see our faces, gestures, or actions — our voice is our only tool for expression, which demands even greater precision in conveying emotions," she said.

To achieve that, immersion is key. Before voicing Nezha, Lyu spent years in solitude, dedicating herself to honing her skills. "I was fascinated by anything related to vocal expression — I explored and analyzed it to see how it could enhance my future work. That was simply my passion," she said.

Thanks to those solitary years, Lyu was well-prepared when she landed the role of Nezha. Although she describes her newfound recognition as "a pure stroke of luck", it was much more than that.

"This character gave me the opportunity to express everything I've learned and practiced over the years," she said. "For that, I'm very grateful."

Connection in voice

Lyu noted that, unlike Western superhero narratives that focus on individualism, Ne Zha 2 places a strong emphasis on communal bonds, familial love, and traditional Chinese chivalrous spirit.

"It's not about one person achieving something alone but rather the strong connections and sense of righteousness shared between people," she explained.

Lyu believes this is one of the reasons for the film's success and its resonance with global audiences.

"It sets a benchmark for Chinese animation techniques, signaling a promising future for the industry," she said. "I'm thrilled to see the box office numbers rising by the day, and I'm proud to be part of this project."

Beyond bringing Nezha to life, Lyu also underwent a personal transformation by fully immersing herself in the role.

"I used to enjoy quiet moments at home. I'm not very talkative and tend to have a steady emotional state," Lyu said. However, she was inspired by Nezha's fiery spirit, shedding her reserved nature to adopt a more outgoing persona. "My emotions became more active during the dubbing process," she added.

For aspiring voice actors, Lyu stressed the importance of dedication. "No one can predict the future or know for sure if a passion for dubbing will lead to a sustainable career," she said. "Just give it your all, keep training, and one day, your dedication might unexpectedly light the way forward."

Contact the writers at luositian@i21st.cn