 |
| Did Release Timing Hurt Dylan Wang’s Per Aspera Ad Astra at CNY 2026? (Photo: Weibo) |
Dylan Wang Hedi’s latest sci-fi film Per Aspera Ad Astra has opened quietly during the highly competitive Chinese New Year 2026 season, failing to enter the Top 10 box office chart.
Despite early anticipation, the film currently sits at No.13 on the CNY box office ranking, with total earnings reaching 76 million yuan as of 22 February 2026.
According to Maoyan Professional Edition, Per Aspera Ad Astra earned over 60 million yuan within its first four days, a stable but not explosive start for a holiday release. While those numbers aren’t disastrous, they fall short of expectations typically attached to a Chinese New Year window — a period known for massive daily grosses and packed cinema halls.
The production team has openly addressed the situation. During a roadshow event on 19 February, director Han Yan became visibly emotional when discussing the film’s limited screening slots.
He revealed that the project faced numerous hurdles during production, including tight funding and limited resources.
Han Yan stressed that creating something different always carries risk, especially in an industry that often leans towards safer formulas during major holidays. In his view, innovation needs brave backers willing to take that leap — even when the outcome is uncertain.
Lead actor Dylan Wang also spoke candidly in front of audiences.
He shared that after the film’s official release, he tried to book a screening himself — only to find the nearest available slot was at 9.30am the following morning. His subtle but clear message: the film needs more showtimes to gain traction and reach a wider audience.
Co-star Song Qian echoed similar sentiments, encouraging viewers to experience the film on the big screen and support diverse storytelling within the industry.
However, industry observers suggest the issue may run deeper than screening allocation. Many analysts believe the core challenge lies in its release timing. Chinese New Year traditionally favours family-friendly comedies and heart-warming dramas, films designed for multi-generational viewing.
In contrast, Per Aspera Ad Astra is positioned as a youth-oriented sci-fi adventure, a genre that historically struggles to dominate during this festive window.
The tonal mismatch may have limited its broader appeal, especially among older cinema-goers seeking lighter holiday entertainment.
Some fans argue that insufficient screening slots significantly impacted the film’s performance. Supporters on social media claim the film did not receive fair distribution compared to bigger commercial titles. They praise the ambition of a domestic sci-fi project attempting something bold during peak season.
Others take a more critical stance.
Certain netizens suggest the film’s marketing lacked clarity, while some question whether the genre choice was simply too niche for the CNY crowd. A few industry watchers point out that star power alone cannot guarantee box office dominance — especially during a period driven by family viewing habits.
Meanwhile, loyal supporters continue organising word-of-mouth promotions online, urging cinemas to extend screenings and encouraging late viewers to give the film a chance beyond the initial hype cycle.
Whether Per Aspera Ad Astra can build momentum in its second week remains uncertain. Chinese New Year releases often see sharp drop-offs unless strong audience buzz carries them forward.
For now, the film stands as a bold attempt at genre diversity during the most commercial season of the year. The bigger question is this: was it brave timing or a strategic miscalculation?
What do you think — is limited screening the real issue, or was the holiday window simply too competitive for a sci-fi one?