The animated film Boonie Bears: The Hidden Protector will debut in theaters during the 2026 Chinese New Year holiday season, joining Pegasus 3 as one of the first confirmed releases for the lucrative box office period. The announcement, made public this week, has sparked anticipation among fans of the long-running franchise, which has grossed over $1.2 billion globally since its 2012 debut.
Chinese New Year 2026, falling on February 17, remains a critical window for film releases across the Chinese mainland and Asian markets. Industry analysts predict heightened competition this year, with both films targeting family audiences through distinct themes: Boonie Bears leans into fantasy-adventure storytelling, while Pegasus 3 continues its motorsports-driven narrative.
The Boonie Bears franchise, produced by Fantawild Animation, has consistently leveraged holiday themes to resonate with domestic audiences. Its 2026 installment follows 2025's Boonie Bears: Guardian Code, which became the highest-grossing animated film in the Chinese mainland last year.
