PANDA PLAN: THE MAGICAL TRIBE (熊猫计划之部落奇遇记) (2026)

Genre: Action/Comedy
Director: Derek Hui
Cast: Huhu, Jackie Chan, Ma Li, Qiao Shan, Yu Yang, Wang Yinglu
Runtime: 1 hr 40 mins
Rating: PG13 (Some Drug References)
Released By: Shaw Organisation
Official Website: 

Opening Day: 17 February 2026

Synopsis: Get ready for a fun adventure in a mysterious tribe! When lovable Panda Hu Hu and international superstar Jackie Chan stumble upon a hidden primitive tribe, Hu Hu is hailed as a 'divine beast' and entrusted with a crucial role by the tribe, who believe she holds the key to solving their crisis. To keep Hu Hu safe, Jackie must stand up to the quirky tribe members. He’ll confront a whimsical leader who can harness the winds (played by Ma Li), the adorable yet fierce warrior Qiang Shan (played by Qiao Shan), the strong prince Tu Lu (played by Yu Yang), and the talented princess Sha Yi (played by Wang Yinglu). What hilarious adventures await them? Can Hu Hu save the tribe from disaster? What secrets lie within this mysterious land? This delightful new fairy tale is perfect for audiences of all ages. Celebrate this Chinese New Year with pandas and share loads of fun and good fortune with your family!

Movie Review:

Just when you thought veteran action superstar Jackie Chan was back in top form after the success of The Shadow’s Edge, the 71-year-old returns in a sequel to 2024’s Panda Plan. Never mind that few remember the first adventure featuring Jackie and his CG-rendered panda companion, Huhu but here they are again in this Lunar New Year title aimed squarely at families.

For the uninitiated, Jackie plays a fictionalized version of himself. He and Huhu are en route to the Panda Conservatory when they are mysteriously kidnapped by an indigenous tribe that has never had contact with the outside world. Oddly enough, the tribe also suppresses expressions of love and encouragement, believing that every child must be fully independent by the age of six.

According to the tribe’s advisor, Jackie —deemed a “messenger” and Huhu must conquer a sacred summit to prevent an impending catastrophe. Fortunately, Jackie finds an unlikely ally in Shan (Qiao Shan), the former aide to the dim-witted Lord Tulu (Yu Yang). The big question: can Jackie and Huhu survive the treacherous mission and return to civilization?

Of course they will! It’s a Jackie Chan festive release, after all.

Let’s dive straight into the drawbacks. Panda Plan: The Magical Tribe is unapologetically tailored for children and family audiences. Editor-turned-director Derek Hui (Coffee or Tea?, This Is Not What I Expected) makes no attempt to subvert expectations. The film is exactly what it sets out to be- simple, safe, and formulaic.

To pad out its 100-minute runtime (which feels longer than it should), the film includes no fewer than four chaotic scenes of indigenous villagers squabbling and fighting, staged in a haphazard and incoherent manner. There’s also an underwhelming river chase sequence that is poorly choreographed, leaving viewers feeling shortchanged. Compared to the first Panda Plan, which at least showcased Jackie kicking, sprinting, and moving with flair, this sequel noticeably tones down the action.

Physical comedy is surprisingly muted. Instead, The Magical Tribe leans heavily on exaggerated, often juvenile antics from Lord Tulu and his advisor. Qiao Shan fares better, delivering a few genuinely amusing moments as his character drifts in and out of amnesia. Meanwhile, Ma Li’s Chieftain slowly warms to Jackie’s advice about embracing love, teamwork, and unity- predictable lessons, but at least thematically consistent.

Huhu, the CGI panda, has even less screen time than before perhaps a sign that the visual effects team had limited time to polish the character.

Ironically, if you removed the “Jackie Chan” factor, Panda Plan: The Magical Tribe might be easier to enjoy. The expectations tied to his name inevitably invite comparisons to his action heyday, and this film simply doesn’t deliver on that legacy. As it stands, the movie feels forgettable, one mainly for Jackie Chan completists.

For what it’s worth, Singaporean singer-songwriter JJ Lin makes a brief cameo alongside Jackie- a fun novelty, though hardly a game-changer. Skibidi!  

Movie Rating:

(A lightweight Jackie Chan's Lunar New Year family flick with tame action and broad comedy)

Review by Linus Tee