Film Pegasus 3 Dominates the Box Office on Lunar New Year, Reaches 12.2 Million Viewers on Opening Day

Kapanlagi.com - The Lunar New Year 2026 kicked off with a big bang from the film Pegasus 3. On its opening day, the film successfully led the box office of the Spring Festival (Lunar New Year) with figures that immediately caught the attention of the film industry.

In less than 24 hours, over 12.2 million viewers flocked to cinemas across China. This achievement places Pegasus 3 among the biggest openings in the history of mainland Chinese cinema.

1. Significant First Day Dominance

Released on February 17, 2026, the film Pegasus 3 quickly soared to the top of the box office. By 9:00 PM local time, its daily earnings had exceeded 616 million yuan, contributing nearly 50 percent of the total box office for the Spring Festival, which stands at around 1.23 billion yuan.

With a screening share of about 30 percent, its revenue contribution actually surpassed half of the total daily income. The occupancy rate reached 41.7 percent, far above other films released at the same time, making it the third-largest opening film in the history of Chinese cinema.

2. Strong Foundation of the Series and Magnet Shen Teng

Film Pegasus 3 - copyright: weibo.com

This success did not happen overnight. The two previous Pegasus films have built a solid foundation with a combined total revenue of over 5 billion yuan, creating a loyal audience base that continues to grow each year.

The name Shen Teng has become a key factor that enhances the appeal of Pegasus 3. The actor, known for box office hits like Hi, Mom and Man Jiang Hong, has recorded total film earnings of over 40 billion yuan throughout his career, making his presence synonymous with family entertainment during the holiday season.

3. Spectacular Production and Extreme Racing Sensation

Film Pegasus 3 - copyright: weibo.com

Made with a production cost of around 500 million yuan, the film Pegasus 3 presents a significant upgrade from a technical standpoint. About 70 percent of the scenes were shot on the Delingha highland track, at an altitude of 4,500 meters above sea level, showcasing extreme landscapes rarely seen in racing films.

The use of high-speed drones, multi-car shots, and the integration of AI-based visual effects make around 50 minutes of racing scenes feel incredibly immersive. The IMAX version is even described as a must-see because the details of the engine sounds and the drifting scenes on the cliffs provide a maximum audiovisual experience.

4. A Strong Emotional Story for the Lunar New Year Moments

Film Pegasus 3 - copyright: weibo.com

In addition to the adrenaline-pumping racing action, Pegasus 3 retains its emotional core. The story centers on a racer trying to rise again after hitting rock bottom in his life. Combined with a spirit of teamwork and determination to overcome limitations, the story feels warm and is perfect for watching with family during the Lunar New Year moments.

The conflict between human spirit and the manipulation of racing rules by capitalist forces is also an interesting highlight. The message that courage and determination can overcome technological calculations resonates with the lives of many viewers, especially among workers who are the backbone of the Spring Festival market.

5. Second Day Breaks 800 Million Yuan, Predicted to Exceed 5 Billion

Film Pegasus 3 - copyright: weibo.com

The momentum of the film Pegasus 3 continues on its second day of screening. On February 18, its cumulative revenue officially surpassed 800 million yuan, indicating that audience enthusiasm remains high after the premiere.

Previously, the pre-sales of this film had exceeded 300 million yuan and dominated 29 provinces, including significant contributions from lower-tier markets such as Henan and Shandong. Prediction platforms like Maoyan estimate the total could reach 5 billion yuan, while conservative projections still place it above 4 billion yuan, making Pegasus 3 the strongest candidate for the box office champion of the 2026 Spring Festival.

(kpl/chn)