Boonie Bears: The Hidden Protector
| Boonie Bears: The Hidden Protector | |
|---|---|
| 熊出没·年年有熊 | |
| Directed by | Lin Huida |
| Written by | Xu Yun Wan Qin Jiang Lin Wang Yifei |
| Produced by | Daisy Shang[1] |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Fantawild (China) CMC Pictures (International) |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 118 minutes[1] |
| Country | China |
| Language | Mandarin |
Boonie Bears: The Hidden Protector (Chinese: 熊出没·年年有熊) is a 2026 Chinese animated fantasy comedy film directed by Lin Huida and produced by Fantawild Animation. It is the twelfth installment in the long-running Boonie Bears film series and was released in mainland China on 17 February 2026, coinciding with the Chinese New Year holiday.[2]
The film represents a creative shift for the franchise, introducing a Chinese fantasy setting rooted in traditional folklore, particularly the legend of the Nian beast.[3]
Background
The Boonie Bears franchise is one of China's most successful animated series, with over a decade of annual Spring Festival releases and billions in cumulative box office revenue.[3]
By 2026, the series had become the first Chinese animated franchise to accompany audiences through a full Chinese zodiac cycle, establishing itself as a major tradition of holiday family entertainment.[2][4]
Plot
The film is inspired by the legend of the Nian, a mythical creature associated with the Chinese New Year. In this adaptation, the Nian is reimagined as twin guardian beings who protect humanity from a destructive force known as Sha.[3]
Briar, Bramble, and Vick gain extraordinary abilities and enter a hidden fantasy world where they must confront powerful enemies and uncover ancient secrets. Along their journey, they encounter new allies and face a growing threat that endangers both the human and magical realms.[2]
Production
The film marks the franchise's first major shift from science fiction themes to a fantasy setting rooted in traditional Chinese culture and mythology.[4]
According to industry observers, the film emphasizes cultural elements such as Spring Festival customs, including fireworks and symbolic traditions, integrating them into the narrative structure.[3]
Release
The film was released on 17 February 2026, the first day of the Chinese New Year, as part of the highly competitive Spring Festival film season.[2]
International distribution followed in multiple regions, including Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and North America, with English-dubbed versions produced for global audiences.[1]
Box office
During the Spring Festival season, the film was among the major contributors to China's holiday box office, which surpassed 3 billion yuan within days of release.[5]
It was listed among the leading films driving the early 2026 box office surge, alongside other major domestic productions.[6]
Reception
The film was positioned as a family-oriented fantasy feature and continued the franchise's reputation as a reliable holiday release appealing to children and families.[4]
Critics noted its strong incorporation of Chinese cultural themes and its reinterpretation of traditional folklore for modern audiences.[3]
References
- ^ a b c d "Boonie Bears: The Hidden Protector". Australian Classification Board. 20 February 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
- ^ a b c d "New 'Boonie Bears' film set for 2026 Chinese New Year release". CGTN. 16 January 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
- ^ a b c d e "Boonie Bears reimagines Spring Festival folklore with a twist". China Daily. 12 February 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
- ^ a b c "Spring Festival movie guide 2026". China.org.cn. 16 February 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
- ^ "Chinese New Year box office reaches 3 billion yuan". CGTN. 19 February 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
- ^ "China's 2026 box office tops 5 bln yuan from holiday boost". CGTN. 20 February 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
External links
- Boonie Bears: The Hidden Protector at Douban (in Chinese)