# I think China just taught a lesson about AI that US audiences really should learn

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/i-think-china-just-taught-a-lesson-about-ai-that-us-audiences-really-should-learn/
- Published: 2026-11-10T22:53:18+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-10T23:20:48+00:00
- Original publisher: Destructoid
- Original article: https://www.destructoid.com/i-think-china-just-taught-a-lesson-about-ai-that-us-audiences-really-should-learn/
- Topics: AI, Americas, Asia, Technology

## Key points

- *Niu Lai* earned about $9 million after its family-made story drew attention.
- China’s first theatrical AI film reportedly grossed about $100,000.
- *Wildwood* won strong reactions but remained below $70 million worldwide.

## Summary

A rudimentary Chinese animated film, *Niu Lai*, reportedly drew audiences after its family-made origins became known, while China’s first theatrical AI film, *Sanxingdui: Future Past*, struggled at the box office. The article argues that audiences value the human effort and story behind a film, raising questions about claims that Chinese viewers are especially enthusiastic about AI entertainment.

*Niu Lai* earned about $9 million despite having a nearly non-existent budget, according to the article. *Sanxingdui: Future Past* cost a reported $1.5 million and grossed about $100,000. The writer also points to Laika’s stop-motion film *Wildwood*, which received strong reactions but had yet to pass $70 million worldwide, below its undisclosed budget.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.