Wanda Film rebrands to Ruyi Film Entertainment to expand business model

In a major shift for the Chinese film industry, Wanda Film officially rebranded to Ruyi Film Entertainment in April 2026.

This move marks the end of the Dalian Wanda era, as the company is now fully under the leadership of investor Ke Liming.

While the corporate name has changed, the company will keep the famous Wanda Cinemas brand for its physical theaters to maintain public recognition.

The acquisition, finalized after a two-year transition, integrates the massive cinema network with the content-production expertise of the Ruyi group.

New Chairperson Chen Zhixi plans to pivot the business from a traditional screening-focused model to a comprehensive cultural entertainment brand.

By transforming theaters into diversified entertainment complexes, the company aims to adapt to changing post-pandemic consumer habits.

This strategic evolution comes after a period of financial recovery, with the firm reporting a strong profit forecast for 2025.

By shedding its past ties to a debt-laden parent group, Ruyi Film Entertainment is positioning itself as a vertically integrated powerhouse ready to shape the future of entertainment, managing projects from initial production all the way to final distribution and exhibition.