China’s first fully AI-generated feature film, Sanxingdui: Future Past, opened nationwide on October 23, 2026, with more than 10,000 screenings scheduled for its debut. Despite this significant distribution footprint, presale revenue as of the evening prior to release stood at just 65,000 yuan, approximately $9,700, according to data from the ticketing platform Maoyan. The 100-minute science fiction thriller, which features no live actors and relies entirely on AI-generated digital characters, has thus faced an immediate commercial reality check in the Chinese market.

Regulatory clearance and market reception

The film successfully obtained the official public screening license, commonly referred to as the “dragon mark,” from China’s National Film Administration. This regulatory approval was a prerequisite for its wide national rollout. However, early ticketing data indicates that the novelty of an AI-produced feature did not translate into substantial audience interest. Maoyan’s figures, cited by AFP, forecast that total box-office takings would likely remain below $15,000. This disparity between the volume of available showtimes and actual consumer demand underscores the difficulty of converting technological innovation into box office success.

Production costs and technical partners

Bona Film Group led the production of the project, which reportedly required more than two years to complete with a team of nearly 100 individuals. The total production cost was estimated at over $1.5 million, challenging the notion that AI-generated media is inherently low-cost or requires minimal human labor. Shengshu Technology provided technical support for the film, utilizing its Vidu AI video model to generate the visual content. The announcement of the release date had been made on September 28, 2026, but the financial performance in the initial days has raised questions about the economic viability of such automated filmmaking processes.

Early box office performance

In its first two days, from October 23 to October 24, the movie grossed slightly more than $75,000. One specific data snapshot indicated that the film captured roughly 1.0% of the total box office by 1:30 pm on October 24. These figures suggest that while the film managed to attract some viewers, its market share remained modest compared to other releases. The performance highlights that while AI technology can now produce a full-length feature film, it does not yet guarantee a large or engaged audience.

What to watch next

Industry observers will likely monitor whether the film’s box office performance stabilizes or continues to decline in the coming weeks. The outcome of this release may influence how studios and AI startups approach automated content production in the future. Additionally, the reaction from Chinese regulators and the general public to the quality and authenticity of AI-generated narratives will be a key factor in determining the long-term trajectory of this medium.