eOne and Alibaba Pictures Group team for preschool brand’s big screen debut in territory.
eOne and Alibaba Pictures Group has teamed up to bring Peppa Pig to cinemas in China.
The two companies are co-producing a full-length feature film which contains live action and brand new animated content, based on the Peppa Pig television series created by Astley Baker Davies.
The film – Peppa Celebrates Chinese New Year – is due for release in China on February 5, 2019, and will be distributed by Alibaba Pictures.
The appearance in theatres for the first time in China coincides with the 2019 Year of the Pig.
The film’s storyline was developed specifically for young families celebrating Chinese New Year and it incorporates many Chinese New Year traditions, such as dragon dancing, dumpling wrapping and other traditional customs.
The film will also introduce brand new characters – including Panda twins. Limited-edition panda-themed merchandise will be released exclusively through Ali Fish, the licensing and entertainment business unit under Alibaba Pictures.
“There is a huge fan base for Peppa Pig in China, so we’re thrilled with the prospect of bringing the brand’s first ever theatrical release to cinemas in the region in early 2019,” said eOne’s Olivier Dumont, president, Family & Brands.
“We’ve worked closely with Alibaba Pictures to create content and cinema-themed merchandise with special cultural significance that will resonate with Chinese audiences. We look forward to delighting Chinese families with an unforgettable cinema experience when the film opens next year.”
