Pegasus 3 Los Angeles Premiere Warms International Students, Showcasing the Appeal of Chinese Cinema

LAPost / Los Angeles (Feb. 22, 2026) — The film Pegasus 3, directed by Han Han and starring Shen Teng, is set to open in North American theaters on Feb. 27. On the evening of Feb. 22, North American distributor China Media Capital (CMC) hosted a grand premiere at the AMC flagship theater at The Grove, where Cultural Consul Wang Taiyu from the Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles joined nearly 300 guests to witness the film’s overseas debut.

The premiere was presented on a grand scale, featuring dual red carpets and two photography teams. For the first time, a Slow Motion red-carpet experience was arranged specifically for bloggers. Branded as the “2026 Life Starting Grid Ceremony,” the segment incorporated a waving checkered flag, symbolizing the start of a new lap in life at the turn of the year and adding a sense of ritual and emotional resonance to the event.

Organizers also introduced an interactive “North America Driver License” movie ticket inspired by the film’s driver selection storyline and the “Mucheng 100” rally. The concept positioned every attendee as part of the film—as a “driver” on their own track. Designed by CMC’s Los Angeles team, the back of each ticket featured one of five inspirational quotes from the first two films in the Pegasus series, creating collectible editions.

Local car clubs and automotive enthusiasts were also invited, and key racing scenes during the screening repeatedly sparked cheers and applause. The audience composition—students, film lovers, industry insiders, and car fans—echoed the film’s themes and quickly energized the atmosphere.

The premiere featured two differently styled red carpets: one dedicated to Slow Motion filming, and another designed as a three-dimensional “championship podium” set. Guests could step onto the podium and be photographed within a framed installation, symbolizing a winning start to the new year and enhancing the immersive experience.

With support from the distributor, the M Film Community and the Los Angeles Chinese Professionals Screening Group invited nearly 70 international student bloggers, with dedicated photographers documenting their participation. The initiative allowed students abroad to feel a sense of connection and care through Chinese-language cinema.

Wang Ziyuan, a Ph.D. student at University of California, Los Angeles, described the film as “thoughtful, well-structured, and deeply humanistic.” He said the story of idealists overcoming obstacles and challenging rules was inspiring, and the question of whether machines can replace humans felt especially relevant in the age of AI.

Qian Jialiang (Jeffery), a senior biology major at University of California, Santa Barbara who drove over 100 kilometers from campus, thanked the screening group for the opportunity to attend. A longtime fan of the franchise, he said the film continues the series’ signature passion and resilience. “Zhang Chi faces new setbacks in every installment but ultimately overcomes them through perseverance. That spirit is something I want to carry into my own life,” he said. He added that the English title Pegasus symbolizes a flying horse and wished audiences worldwide a successful year ahead.

Fan Yu, a student at University of California, Riverside and a content creator among international students, said the fast-paced storytelling left her exhilarated. “When the car crossed the finish line, I almost shouted out loud—it felt like finishing a race with friends back home,” she said, noting that the film’s message of persistence resonates with the challenges of studying abroad.

Li Hongyu, an international student from Anhui Province, described the experience as “stunning,” saying he hadn’t felt such adrenaline from racing scenes since watching an F1 film. He recalled a memorable line from Pegasus 2 and said the audience broke into applause both during a key overtaking moment and at the film’s conclusion. Laughing, he added that he hopes the franchise will continue with a fourth installment.

The screening hall was fully packed, and each guest received a signed poster from the main cast along with a specially designed license-plate-style ticket, giving the event the feel of a festive Lunar New Year gathering. Cheers, applause, and lively conversations reflected the strong emotional connection Chinese films hold among overseas Chinese audiences—especially students.

Industry observers noted that inviting student bloggers through organized screening groups not only made young audiences abroad feel recognized and supported but also turned them into important ambassadors for Chinese cinema overseas. After the event, many students shared their reactions and footage on social media, expressing both their appreciation for the film and the emotional impact it delivered.

With its North American release approaching, the enthusiastic reception in Los Angeles has already built strong anticipation for Pegasus 3. For many students far from home, the premiere was more than a movie night—it was a moment of cultural connection and belonging.

(By Richard Ren / LAPost)