Thomas the Tank Engine to be the first Mattel-owned brand released theatrically in China.

Mattel and HIT Entertainment will debut the latest feature-length “Thomas and Friends” special, Sodor’s Legend of the Lost Treasure, in China on Feb. 20, marking the first time a Mattel-owned brand will be released theatrically in the country.

The film, which will debut in 5,000 theaters across China, will also be the first non-native children’s movie of the Chinese New Year to be released in cinemas.

Sodor’s Legend of the Lost Treasure has been specially dubbed in Mandarin for the occasion.

The feature-length movie is being distributed by Huaxia Film Distribution and was produced to celebrate Thomas the Tank Engine’s 70th anniversary.

A blue carpet premiere is planned for Feb. 18 in Shanghai.

“This is a historic and unprecedented moment in the development of the ‘Thomas and Friends’ franchise in China,” says Peter Broegger, managing director, Mattel APAC. “The reach and scale of the theatrical release means we can engage with families and children in a whole new way by bringing Thomas to the big screen across the country.”