The Chinese New Year box office is being dominated by “Pegasus 3,” the latest installment in the popular racing film franchise directed by Han Han and starring Shen Teng. As of February 19, 2026, the film has surpassed 1.4 billion yuan (approximately $193 million USD) at the box office, a significant lead over other releases during the holiday period. First Finance reports that Shanghai has once again claimed the top spot for box office revenue during the Spring Festival, fueled in large part by the success of “Pegasus 3.”
The film, officially released on February 17th, 2026, continues the story of Zhang Chi, a determined racer, as he navigates new challenges and assembles a team for the “沐尘100拉力赛” (Muchen 100 Rally). “Pegasus 3” isn’t just a continuation of a beloved series; it represents a significant cultural moment, drawing audiences with its blend of high-octane racing and heartwarming camaraderie. The film has already been viewed over 30 million times in just three days, according to Sina News.
A Nostalgic Return for the “Feichi” Team
A key element of the film’s appeal lies in the return of the original cast, including Shen Teng, Yin Zheng, Huang Jingyu and Zhang Binyu. The “seven-year feichi” special featurette released alongside the film highlights the emotional connection viewers have with these characters and their journey. The featurette revisits the “Xingyu Auto Repair” shop, meticulously recreated for the film, and features a reprise of the iconic song “Glorious Years.” This deliberate appeal to nostalgia appears to be resonating strongly with audiences.
Han Han, who also wrote the screenplay, has successfully tapped into a desire for familiar faces and storylines, while simultaneously introducing new elements to keep the franchise fresh. The film also features a robust supporting cast, including Wei Xiang, Sha Yi, Fan Chengcheng, Sun Yizhou, and Duan Yihong, alongside special appearances from Zhang Xincheng, Hu Xuxi, Li Zhiting, Bai Yufan, Zhou Zhengjie, and Gao Huayang. Even established actors like Jia Bing, Wang Anyu, Chen Yongsheng, Feng Shaofeng, and Hao Han make cameo appearances, adding to the film’s star power.
Beyond the Track: Cars and Cultural Impact
The film’s popularity extends beyond the narrative, sparking interest in the vehicles featured on screen. AutoHome has published an analysis of the cars showcased in “Pegasus 3,” highlighting their role in the film’s aesthetic and action sequences. The vehicles aren’t merely props; they’re presented as integral partners in the characters’ pursuit of speed and victory.
The success of “Pegasus 3” is also a boon for the Chinese film industry, demonstrating the continued appeal of domestically produced content during a major holiday period. The film’s strong performance is a positive sign for the industry’s recovery and its ability to attract large audiences. The film was included in the third batch of key copyright protection works for 2026, according to Baidu Baike, underscoring its importance to the national cultural landscape.
Roadshow and Fan Engagement
To further connect with audiences, the film’s creators embarked on a “Put the Road Ahead” roadshow, with Han Han and Shen Teng appearing in Beijing and Shanghai on New Year’s Day to interact with fans and share behind-the-scenes insights. This direct engagement strategy appears to have contributed to the film’s positive word-of-mouth and strong ticket sales. Producer Li Wenwen emphasized the film’s journey over the past seven years, noting that both the characters and the filmmakers have experienced ups and downs, growth, and a sense of fulfillment.
The film’s narrative centers on Zhang Chi’s return to racing and his efforts to overcome new obstacles, including the departure of team members and the introduction of new technologies. It’s a story about adaptation, resilience, and the enduring power of friendship, themes that clearly resonate with Chinese audiences during the festive season.
As “Pegasus 3” continues its run in theaters, it’s poised to grow one of the highest-grossing films of the year. The next key milestone will be tracking its performance in the weeks following the Spring Festival holiday, as well as observing its impact on the broader Chinese film market.
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