The Chinese mainland's film industry celebrated a robust Spring Festival holiday in 2026, with total box office earnings reaching 5.75 billion yuan ($830 million) over the nine-day period. Leading the charts was Pegasus 3, the latest high-octane installment in director Han Han's racing comedy franchise, which recently premiered in Los Angeles to strong North American audience turnout.
The film's dual success highlights growing international interest in Chinese cinema, with its signature blend of slapstick humor and adrenaline-fueled racing sequences resonating across markets. Industry analysts note the timing of its North American release during Lunar New Year celebrations created a unique cross-cultural momentum, appealing to both diaspora communities and local moviegoers.
While official North American box office figures remain pending, theater chains reported sold-out screenings in major cities with significant Asian populations. The performance reinforces China's position as a key player in global entertainment, following recent co-production agreements between Chinese studios and Hollywood distributors.
