Disney's "Hoppers" Tops China Box Office in Debut Weekend

Disney’s animated film "Hoppers" debuted at the top of the China box office during the weekend of March 20–22, 2026, earning RMB66.3 million (approximately $9.3 million). This strong opening positioned "Hoppers" ahead of its competitors, including Columbia Pictures’ science-fiction film "Project Hail Mary," which secured second place with a revenue of $6.9 million in its inaugural weekend.

Variety Magazine

The racing-comedy "Pegasus 3," which had previously dominated the box office, fell to third place, adding $5.7 million to its cumulative total of $606.6 million. Directed by Han Han, "Pegasus 3" features Shen Teng as veteran racer Zhang Chi, who leads an underdog national team in the challenging Muchen 100 Rally.

Variety Magazine

In fourth place, the adaptation of the popular manhua, produced by Peace Film Production and directed by Yuen Woo-ping, follows the mercenary Dao Ma, portrayed by Wu Jing, as he navigates dangerous territories with a fugitive. This film's performance reflects a growing interest in adaptations of popular media in China. Rounding out the top five, Zhang Yimou’s espionage thriller "Scare Out" added $2.2 million, bringing its total to $186.6 million. The film features Jackson Yee and Zhu Yilong as elite National Security agents.

Variety Magazine

The overall box office gross for mainland China during this weekend reached $32.4 million. Year-to-date revenue for 2026 stands at $1.63 billion, which marks a significant decline of 52.1% compared to the same period in 2025. This downturn raises questions about the current state of the film industry in China, particularly in light of the competitive landscape and changing audience preferences.

Variety Magazine

While "Hoppers" achieved commercial success, some critics argue that the film industry in China is facing challenges due to a lack of original storytelling and over-reliance on established franchises. This sentiment reflects a broader concern regarding the sustainability of box office revenues in a market that may be shifting towards more innovative content.

Variety Magazine

Industry analysts have noted that the performance of "Hoppers" could indicate a resurgence in family-oriented films, which have been less prominent in recent years. However, the significant drop in overall box office revenue compared to the previous year suggests that the industry may need to adapt to changing consumer preferences to maintain growth.

Variety Magazine

As the year progresses, the film industry in China will be closely monitored for trends in audience engagement and box office performance, particularly as new releases are scheduled. The success of "Hoppers" may influence future productions and marketing strategies within the competitive landscape of Chinese cinema.

Variety Magazine