Per Aspera Ad Astra is a Chinese science fiction adventure movie, released on March 13, 2026 in limited US theaters (following its earlier China release on February 17). It stars Dylan Wang as Xu Tianbiao and Victoria Song as Li Simeng, with supporting roles by Zu Feng, Luo Haiqiong, and Wang Duo. Directed by Han Yan, the story is set in the near future where a virtual dream system called “Sweet Dreams LM” lets people live out their fantasies, but a mysterious crisis traps users inside the dreams, forcing the protagonists to risk everything to awaken everyone.
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On its opening day in North America, the film has started modestly with limited screens, mainly in cities with strong Asian-American communities. Collections are driven by Chinese diaspora audiences and sci-fi fans, while in India the film has extremely limited dubbed/subtitled shows in select metros, resulting in negligible early figures.
Worldwide, the majority of revenue comes from China where it has been running for nearly a month. Early word-of-mouth on X, Instagram, and YouTube is mixed but positive on visuals and concept, with some criticism on pacing. Overall, it has opened quietly in the US but holds niche potential through word-of-mouth.
Per Aspera Ad Astra 2026 Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Per Aspera Ad Astra |
| Directed by | Han Yan, Channing Huang |
| Written by | Han Yan, Channing Huang |
| Produced by | Fu Ruoqing |
| Actor | Dylan Wang |
| Actress | Victoria Song |
| Other Cast | Zu Feng, Luo Haiqiong, Wang Duo, Feng Zu, Haiqiong Luo |
| Cinematography | N/A |
| Edited by | N/A |
| Music by | N/A |
| Production Companies | China Film (Dongyang) Media Co., Ltd. HD Entertainment Shanghai Film Group Co., Ltd. Lian Ray Pictures Co., Ltd. China Film Co., Ltd. Shen Dingge Wenhua Chuanmei (Wuxi) Co., Ltd. Beijing Weimeng Chuangke Network Technology Co., Ltd. |
| Distributed by | China Film Group |
| Release Date | 13 March 2026 |
| Running Time | 111 minutes |
| Country | China (international release) |
| Language | English (dubbed), Mandarin |
| Film Industry | Chinese Cinema |
| Genre | Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure |
| Censor Rating | PG-13 |
Per Aspera Ad Astra Box Office Collection
| Day | Date | US Collection Gross (Millions) | Fluctuation (%+/-) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | March 13, 2026 | $0.95 Millions | (Opening Day) |
| Day 2 | March 14, 2026 | $1.08 Millions | +14% |
| Day 3 | March 15, 2026 | $0.67 Millions | -38% |
| Day 4 | March 16, 2026 | $0.32 Millions | -52% |
| Day 5 | March 17, 2026 | $0.25 Millions | -22% |
| Day 6 | March 18, 2026 | $0.21 Millions | -16% |
| Day 7 | March 19, 2026 | $0.18 Millions | -14% |
| Day 8 | March 20, 2026 | $0.29 Millions | +61% |
| Day 9 | March 21, 2026 | $0.25 Millions | -14% |
| Total US Gross | – | $2.70 Millions | – |
| Total Worldwide Gross | – | $18.5 Millions | – |
Per Aspera Ad Astra is a Hit or Flop
Flop
What is the budget of Per Aspera Ad Astra
The estimated production budget is around $40–50 million.
Per Aspera Ad Astra Ott release date
- OTT Platform: Major VOD and streaming platforms and OTT date: TBA
Our Review
Per Aspera Ad Astra brings a fresh and thought-provoking take on virtual reality sci-fi, blending high-concept world-building with emotional stakes in a way that feels both futuristic and deeply human. Han Yan’s direction keeps the pace engaging as the story shifts from dreamy escapism to a gripping crisis inside the “Sweet Dreams LM” system, where users are trapped and the protagonists must solve the mystery to save them. Dylan Wang and Victoria Song deliver strong, grounded performances that anchor the film amid stunning visual effects and clever dream-sequence designs.
Early critics and audiences on social media have praised the immersive concept and technical polish, though some note the story occasionally leans on familiar tropes from films like Inception or The Matrix. The Chinese cultural perspective adds a unique layer, making it stand out from typical Hollywood sci-fi. On opening day in the US, the film collected $0.95 Millions domestically from its limited release, reflecting modest but steady interest from targeted audiences.
Against its $15 million budget, this figure already shows promise when combined with stronger performance in China and eventual streaming revenue. Compared to other Chinese sci-fi exports that struggled in the West, Per Aspera Ad Astra benefits from its timely dream-reality theme and star power, positioning it for gradual growth through word-of-mouth rather than explosive openings.
In summary, Per Aspera Ad Astra is a solid and entertaining addition to the sci-fi genre that rewards viewers with clever ideas and emotional depth while delivering impressive visuals on a modest budget. Its exploration of escapism, technology, and human connection feels relevant in today’s digital age, offering a refreshing contrast to big-budget Hollywood spectacles.
While not poised for blockbuster status in the US due to its limited rollout, the film’s efficient production and strong home-market success point to overall profitability and cult appeal on streaming platforms later this year. Early indicators suggest it will quietly build its audience among genre fans who appreciate thoughtful storytelling over pure spectacle, making it a worthwhile watch for anyone interested in mind-bending sci-fi with heart.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the plot of Per Aspera Ad Astra?
Per Aspera Ad Astra follows an administrator and a captain who must rescue people trapped inside a virtual dream system that has gone wrong.
Is Per Aspera Ad Astra based on a true story?
No, it is a fictional sci-fi adventure about virtual dreams and a hidden crisis.
Who plays the main characters in Per Aspera Ad Astra?
Dylan Wang plays Xu Tianbiao and Victoria Song plays Captain Li Simeng.
When will Per Aspera Ad Astra be available on streaming?
It is expected on major VOD and streaming platforms a few months after its theatrical release.
How does Per Aspera Ad Astra compare to other sci-fi movies?
It mixes big action and dream worlds like Inception but focuses more on teamwork and waking up from illusions in a fresh, hopeful way.
Disclaimer:
- Box office figures in this article are independently estimated by Tenvow based on an internal tracking methodology that evaluates theatre occupancy trends, distributor feedback, and regional trade indicators.
- The data reflects industry estimates available at the time of publication and may vary slightly from officially reported or audited figures released later.
- These figures should be considered preliminary and indicative, not official confirmations.
- Tenvow does not guarantee absolute accuracy of the data and presents it solely for informational purposes.
- All financial figures are stated in United States dollars (USD) and represented in millions, unless specified otherwise.
- All dates and times mentioned follow Eastern Standard Time (EST) (UTC-5)
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