Sanxingdui: Future Past, a sci-fi thriller promoted as China's first feature made entirely with AI, reached cinemas on Friday 23 October 2026 to a quiet reception, with advance interest weak enough that the film's own sales forecast looks modest.
“We are the first to try it, the first to get a theatrical release permit, and the first to be tested by the audience”
Jiang Defu, CEO of Bona Film Group,, to Chinese industry outlet Yuli · freemalaysiatoday.com ↗
Ticketing platform Maoyan listed more than 10,000 screenings for opening day, yet presales stood at only about 65,000 yuan (roughly US$9,700) by Thursday evening. Total takings are projected to stay under 100,000 yuan. The film reportedly cost over 10 million yuan, with nearly 100 people working on it for two years.
Bona Film Group chief executive Jiang Defu admits the lukewarm response but points to the pioneering role. Audiences are doubtful: a preview attendee would not pay at the current quality, and independent AI director Zhang Jun says an AI label alone sells no tickets. One Weibo user thought free streaming would suit it better.
The release comes while AI short dramas drew over 200 billion Douyin views in September. Hollywood, meanwhile, worries about AI job losses. In the US, AI sci-fi feature Gods Don't Give Gifts is due on 4 December. AI actor Tilly Norwood is also set to star in Misaligned. Opening-weekend figures will show whether Sanxingdui stays under its forecast.
Sources · 1