Reinventing Chinese Mythology: Animated Comedy All Wishes Come True Hits Theaters Nationwide on July 18, Poised to Dominate Summer Box Office

All Wishes Come True, a Chinese all-ages animated comedy helmed by writer-director Mu Zhengyang and produced by Chengdu Dream Frame Animation, the Southwest headquarters of Oriental DreamWorks, is set to premiere across China on July 18, 2026. Limited advance screenings are currently underway nationwide. Boasting record-high attendance and rave early reviews, the film is tipped by industry insiders as the biggest domestic animation dark horse of the 2026 summer season, with analysts forecasting a final box office ranging from 800 million to 1 billion RMB, and higher totals achievable if word-of-mouth momentum persists.

Supported by Sichuan Provincial Film Bureau, the film is a fully locally produced animation out of Chengdu Hi-Tech Zone’s Tianfu Long Island Digital Cultural & Creative Park. It is co-produced by leading film studios including Huayi Pictures, Maoyan, Enlight Pictures, China Film Group and Light Chaser Animation. The elite creative crew features Chen Hao, the voice director behind the iconic Ne Zha franchise, and Su Hang, seasoned action choreographer of Tracking Shadows. The production marks a landmark milestone for China’s mature domestic animation industrial chain.

Breaking away from the classic legend of the Eight Immortals attaining immortality, the story centers on the eight protagonists as ordinary mortals before their apotheosis, offering a bold modern reimagining of a time-honored Chinese myth. The plot kicks off with the theft of the sacred Jade Void Glazed Lamp. Lv Dongbin, sharp and versatile, teams up with the free-spirited Zhongli Quan, initially motivated solely by wealth. They plan to disguise themselves as immortals to sneak into the celestial treasure vault accessible only to gods. Along their journey, a ragtag crew joins forces: pragmatic civil servant Cao Guojiu, tech-savvy young Han Xiangzi, streetwise beggar Tieguai Li, laid-back elder Zhang Guolao, childlike Lan Caihe, and mysterious chivalrous thief He Xiangu. This makeshift gang of “Undercover Immortals” digs secret tunnels, runs a makeshift Taoist temple, gains fame by catching thieves for locals, and outwits celestial deities and the villain Yang Jian through a series of hilarious, twist-laden schemes.

Rejecting the overly solemn tone common to mythological adaptations, the film blends down-to-earth urban life with uplifting spirit. Though the eight bicker constantly, they stand by each other in crisis. Under its lighthearted comedic surface lies an Eastern core value: ordinary mortals possess extraordinary righteousness. One need not become a celestial being to protect the world and uphold justice. The official English title All Wishes Come True encapsulates the film’s central ethos—to answer the people’s sincere pleas and defend the vulnerable.

Visually stunning, the animation draws aesthetic inspiration from traditional Chinese New Year paintings, crafting a dreamlike Penglai Wonderland that merges ethereal immortal peaks, bustling mortal streets and celestial palaces. Every frame marries classical Chinese poetic charm with cutting-edge 3D animation technology, featuring spectacular, well-choreographed action sequences. Early screening audiences universally praised the film as a breathtaking visual feast. The voice cast infuses authentic Sichuan-Chongqing dialects to enrich character authenticity; Han Xiangzi’s voice is performed collaboratively by three voice actors, while child voice actor Cao Zhishan won widespread affection for his lively portrayal of Lan Caihe, with contrasting vocal performances amplifying the comedy.

Advance screenings launched on July 9 in eight major cities and expanded nationwide from July 11 have delivered remarkable market results, with an average attendance rate of 55.2%—ranking first among all animated titles in the same period. Early viewers flooded social media with five-star reviews, and industry insiders predict an opening Douban rating of 8.2. Multiple factors position the film for box office success: the Eight Immortals IP enjoys nationwide cultural recognition, the family-friendly comedy appeals to audiences of all ages, and its July 18 release date lands perfectly in the peak summer viewing window targeting families and young adults. Viral trending topics such as “Immortals also face 996 workloads” have generated sustained organic social media buzz. Comprehensive market analysis from film institutions puts the baseline box office projection at 800 million to 1 billion RMB, with a potential 1.2 billion RMB achievable if positive reviews spread widely across lower-tier cities, making it a top contender for summer box office champion.

The creative team shared that their core goal is to break rigid stereotypes of traditional mythology, revitalizing cultural heritage with modern, relatable comedy. Instead of heavy-handed moral lectures, the film immerses audiences in a joyful adventure before gently conveying timeless virtues of kindness and justice, striking a perfect balance between entertainment and cultural inheritance. Easter eggs and pop-culture homages, including a self-deprecating cameo by the Monkey King, resonate with viewers from all backgrounds.

Limited nationwide advance screenings will continue from July 13 to 16, offering audiences an early glimpse into the magical world of Penglai. On July 18, All Wishes Come True will officially open in cinemas nationwide, bringing a heartwarming, thrilling mythological adventure full of Eastern humor and charm to audiences across China.