The second installment of the film Cheburashka is scheduled for release on January 1, 2026, according to Kinopoisk as shared on its social media channels. The announcement has sparked renewed interest among families and fans of the charming creature who warmed hearts across Russia and beyond. The plan places the sequel into a broader New Year window that studios often reserve for high-energy family fare, aiming to capture audiences as they prepare for celebrations and holiday gatherings.
Early reports specify that Cheburashka will take part in the New Year’s battle alongside other anticipated titles, including the fantasy adventure Gorynych and the animated comedy Sivka-Burka. The initial premiere date had been set for December 31, 2025, creating a similar festive frame that often dominates December into January when families seek light, comforting cinema. The change in schedule will likely affect weekend box office dynamics as viewers in Canada, the United States, and other markets look for family-friendly options during the holiday break.
Directed by Dmitry Dyachenko, Cheburashka debuted in Russian theaters on January 1, 2023 and quickly climbed to a record as the highest-grossing domestic release in the country’s cinema history. The film surpassed the prior box office benchmark set by Klim Shipenko’s 2019 feature Slave, which accumulated approximately 3.082 billion rubles in revenue. The strong performance underscored a robust appetite for locally produced family entertainment and helped cement Cheburashka as a recognizable cultural icon across audiences in the region and among international viewers who followed its success.
The film targets audiences aged six and up, presenting a warm, family-centered comedy that follows Cheburashka’s adventures in a small seaside town. The character arrives from a distant orange country, bringing with him curiosity, friendship, and a series of charming misadventures that resonate with younger viewers and their families. The setting blends seaside scenery with gentle humor, making it accessible to diverse audiences who appreciate character-driven storytelling and feel-good moments that emphasize kindness, resilience, and community.
The cast features a mix of familiar faces and rising talents, including Sergey Garmash, Olga Kuzmina, Polina Maksimova, Fyodor Dobronravov, Sergey Lavygin, Elena Yakovleva, Dmitry Lysenkov, Sofia Zaika, Ilya Kondratenko, and Eva Smirnova. Their performances contribute to the film’s warm tone and help bring the world of Cheburashka to life through dialogue, expressions, and timing that appeal to both children and adults.
Industry updates through the Telegram channel Film Production News have hinted that Cheburashka may receive a third role in a forthcoming installment, a development that could expand the franchise further and introduce new characters who complement the beloved lead. This possibility excites fans who have followed the character’s journey from the first film to now and look forward to how the narrative may evolve across future releases.
In the broader landscape of recent Russian cinema, The Flying Ship had led box office conversations in the previous weekend, signaling a strong appetite for domestically produced family entertainment and lighthearted fantasy. Market observers note that stable performance in this segment often translates well across international markets, where dubbed or subtitled versions can broaden the film’s reach.