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| Why Scare Out Is One of the Most Anticipated Chinese Movies of 2026? (Photo: Weibo) |
The 2026 Chinese film calendar is already heating up, and one title sitting right at the centre of the buzz is Scare Out (惊蛰无声). This upcoming espionage thriller is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Chinese movies of the year, not just because of its high-profile director, but also thanks to an unusually stacked cast and a storyline that feels sharply rooted in the modern world. With its official Chinese New Year 2026 release now locked in, fans are finally getting a clearer picture of what this film is bringing to the table.
Directed by Zhang Yimou, Scare Out is confirmed to premiere during the Spring Festival holiday on 17 February 2026. Alongside the release date announcement, the production unveiled a tense “There Is a Spy” trailer and a chilling “Don’t Leak Secrets” poster, instantly sparking online discussion.
Set against the backdrop of everyday city life, the film promises a quiet but intense game of strategy, where danger hides in plain sight and trust is never guaranteed.
At its core, Scare Out tells the story of a classified information leak involving China’s latest fighter jet technology. As national security is put at risk, a specialised security team is deployed to hunt down spies operating discreetly among ordinary people.
The film leans heavily into psychological tension rather than flashy action, focusing on surveillance, intelligence battles, and the emotional strain faced by those working in the shadows. As the investigation deepens, the line between loyalty and betrayal becomes increasingly blurred.
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One major reason Scare Out is drawing so much attention is its cast lineup, which many fans are already calling one of the strongest ensembles of 2026. Jackson Yee, Zhu Yilong, and Song Jia lead the film, supported by Lei Jiayin and Yang Mi, with Zhang Yi appearing as a special guest.
Additional special appearances from Liu Shishi and Liu Yaowen further boost the film’s profile. Industry watchers have noted that it is rare to see so many top-tier names sharing the screen in a contemporary spy thriller.
Early cast comments suggest the film offers something genuinely different. Jackson Yee has shared that his role helped him better understand the unseen risks faced by national security officers, while Zhu Yilong described the script as fresh and unlike anything he has previously worked on.
Song Jia’s character is expected to bring a strong female presence to the story, balancing technical expertise with frontline intelligence work. Together, the performances aim to ground the high-stakes plot in human emotion rather than spectacle alone.
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What truly sets Scare Out apart is its theme. The film is being described as the first Chinese feature-length movie to focus specifically on contemporary national security issues.
Instead of historical settings or stylised spy tropes, it places the story firmly in the present day, reflecting real-world concerns about information security, technology, and modern espionage. This marks a new genre direction for Zhang Yimou and adds extra weight to the film’s narrative ambition.
For international fans wondering how and where to watch Scare Out with English subtitles, the initial release will be exclusive to cinemas in China during the Spring Festival period.
Based on current industry trends, overseas audiences can expect the film to later appear at international film festivals or receive limited theatrical screenings in select regions. An official digital release with English subtitles is likely to follow, although the exact platform and timing have not yet been announced.
Film #ScareOut is set to be released for Spring Festival . It's country's first film on contemporary national security, and guided by the Ministry of State Security, the film focuses on a group of anonymous national security police officers, telling their story of wits and secret… pic.twitter.com/Khvu4DjkUo
— CDrama Universe (@CDrama_Universe) January 22, 2026
Fans outside China should keep an eye on regional distributors and global streaming announcements after the domestic run.
Online reactions so far have been mixed but intense. Many netizens are praising the film’s bold subject matter and serious tone, calling it a refreshing change from lighter holiday releases. Others are especially excited about seeing so many acclaimed actors in one project, predicting strong performances across the board.
At the same time, some viewers are cautiously curious, wondering how the heavy themes will balance with the festive CNY release window. That contrast alone has become a hot talking point across social platforms.
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As one of the officially announced films competing in the crowded Lunar New Year 2026 season, Scare Out is already positioning itself as a standout option for viewers looking for something more grounded and thought-provoking.
Modern spy narrative, high-calibre cast, and quiet intensity, this film could end up redefining what a Spring Festival release looks like. Are you excited for Scare Out, or do you think it’s a risky choice for the holiday season?