Thomas & Friends Movie to Hit Theaters in China

Mattel has revealed that the CGI film Thomas & Friends: The Great Race is slated to premiere this week in cinemas across China, where it will feature the property’s first Chinese character.

The debut of the Chinese character Yong Bao in The Great Race has been specially dubbed in Mandarin and distributed by Huaxia Film. The theatrical release is scheduled for September 22 and will continue through to China’s Golden Week in October. The 81-minute movie will be shown in more than 4,000 cinemas spanning 23 provinces around the country.

Peter Broegger, the managing director of Mattel APAC, said: “This is the second time that Thomas & Friends has secured a theatrical release in China and one of the very few non-native young children’s movies to be released, which is a huge honor and further demonstrates the strength of the brand and affinity with families and children in this important market.”

Christopher Keenan, the senior VP of content at Mattel, added: “The world of Thomas & Friends continues to expand with the introduction of our very first Chinese character: a bright, young engine named Yong Bao. We can’t wait for fans in China to meet Yong Bao, along with nearly a dozen other new characters from around the world! Thomas & Friends: The Great Race is a warm and wonderful film; its timely themes of teamwork and friendship will resonate for all.”