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6 clusters · 13 sources · 45 days · First seen · Last updated

Performance of ‘Once Upon a Time in the Middle East’

Overview

The Chinese war comedy-drama ‘Once Upon a Time in the Middle East’, directed by Wen Muye, has achieved significant commercial and critical attention. During the weekend of August 21–23, 2026, the film held the top position at the mainland China box office, earning RMB 298.8 million ($43.9 million) in its second weekend and reaching a cumulative total of $232.2 million since its August 11 release. The film, which follows a Chinese chef navigating a fictionalized version of the American invasion of Iraq, has been noted for its departure from traditional cinematic tropes by focusing on narratives outside of China. It has received praise for its authenticity, specifically regarding its use of over 500 sets of historically accurate military gear and uniforms provided by Chongqing Grey Bear Film Company to ensure realistic detail. By early September, the film surpassed $300 million at the mainland China box office, maintaining the top position for four consecutive weekends. During the September 4–6 period, it grossed approximately $12.1 million. Starring Shen Teng as a debt-ridden chef, the narrative uses the lens of authentic Chinese cooking to deliver an anti-war message, addressing themes of diplomacy and wartime atrocities. The production also features performers Jiang Qiming, Aarif Rahman, and Omar Sherif. Following its success in China, where it has grossed more than US$318 million, Well Go USA Entertainment has acquired the North American distribution rights. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release in North America on October 9, 2026. As of the September 18–20 period, the film has maintained its position as the top performer for six consecutive weekends, reaching a cumulative gross of approximately $325.7 million. In early October 2026, ‘Once Upon a Time in the Middle East’ was selected as China’s official submission for the Academy Awards.

Entities

Wen Muye · Shen Teng · China · Pearl River Film Group · Dirty Monkeys

Timeline

  1. [CULTURE] 4 sources
    Once Upon a Time in the Middle East selected as China's Oscar submission

    China’s Academy Award submission, ‘Once Upon a Time in the Middle East’, follows a chef who turns his restaurant into a civilian refuge during a war inspired by the War on Terror.

  2. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    China box office: ‘Once Upon a Time in the Middle East’ holds top spot

    The film ‘Once Upon a Time in the Middle East’ has held the top spot at the China box office for six weeks, while Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ has surpassed $100 million in cumulative revenue.

  3. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Well Go USA acquires ‘Once Upon a Time in the Middle East’ for North American release

    Well Go USA Entertainment will release the Chinese war drama ‘Once Upon a Time in the Middle East’ in North American theaters on October 9, 2026, following its successful run in China.

  4. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Once Upon a Time in the Middle East surpasses $300 million at China box office

    Wen Muye’s anti-war film ‘Once Upon a Time in the Middle East’, starring Shen Teng, has grossed over $300 million at the China box office, maintaining its top spot for four consecutive weeks.

  5. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Chinese war drama Once Upon a Time in the Middle East gains praise for authenticity

    The Chinese war drama “Once Upon a Time in the Middle East” is gaining attention for its realistic portrayal of foreign settings and its use of highly authentic military props and costumes.

  6. [CULTURE] 3 sources
    China box office: ‘Once Upon a Time in the Middle East’ holds top spot

    ‘Once Upon a Time in the Middle East’ remains the top film at the China box office, earning $43.9 million in its second weekend and bringing its total earnings to $232.2 million.

Sources

amigoearuba.com · ca.sports.yahoo.com · cityonfire.com · filmcombatsyndicate.com · firstshowing.net · flickeringmyth.com · ichongqing.info · program.dkinfonet.dk · scmp.com · stthomasmorewollaton.org.uk · timesofmiddleeast.com · variety.com · weareresonate.com

This summary has been updated 4 times: see revision history