China’s first fully AI-generated feature film has received a lukewarm response after opening in cinemas on Friday. The science-fiction thriller, Sanxingdui: Future Past, faces weak ticket sales despite more than 10,000 scheduled screenings. Its early box-office performance has raised questions about audience demand for AI-generated cinema.
Ticketing platform Maoyan reported presale revenue of just 80,000 yuan, approximately $11,980, on Friday morning. The platform forecast total box-office earnings below 150,000 yuan. These figures remain far below the reported production cost of more than 10 million yuan, or $1.5 million.
Bona Film Group said nearly 100 people spent more than two years producing the film. However, artificial intelligence generated the actors, their voices and the backgrounds. The story explores humanity in a future shaped by artificial intelligence.
Bona Film Group chief executive Jiang Defu acknowledged the disappointing reception in a recent interview. He said the project represented a pioneering effort in AI-generated filmmaking. The film also became the first of its kind to receive theatrical release approval in China.
Audience reactions have highlighted concerns about the film’s quality. Iris Yang attended a free preview screening on Thursday but said she would not have paid for a ticket. She added that she would consider paying if AI-generated films could match the theatrical experience of Avatar.
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AI-generated video has gained popularity across China, particularly on short-video platforms. AI-generated short dramas on Douyin reportedly attracted more than 200 billion views in September alone. However, independent AI director Zhang Jun told AFP that audiences would not automatically buy tickets simply because a film uses AI.
Chinese social media users also expressed doubts about paying to watch AI-generated movies in cinemas. One Weibo user suggested such films might gain popularity if streaming platforms offered them free. Meanwhile, Hollywood faces similar debates over AI’s impact on film workers and employment. Another AI-generated science-fiction feature, Gods Don’t Give Gifts, is scheduled for release in the United States on December 4.