"Gungo y los juegos cavernícolas," a new 3D animated film from Mexican studio Huevocartoon, premiered in Mexican theaters on Thursday, September 3, 2026, with a voice cast led by actors Joaquín Cosío, Silvia Navarro and comedian Daniel Sosa.
The film continues Mexico's push into animation, following successes such as Guillermo del Toro's Oscar-winning "Pinocchio," which have put Latin American animation work on the map and drawn established actors like Cosío into voice roles.
Cosío told the news agency EFE ahead of the premiere that having a Mexican animated film, something not produced very often, reach this level of quality spoke well of the current state of Mexican cinema. He said he felt privileged to be part of it.
A Veteran Actor's Perspective
Cosío, 63, has worked in film for more than 25 years and is known for playing "El Cochiloco" in the 2010 film "El infierno." He said only time would tell whether this moment represents a new golden era for Mexican cinema, distinct from the industry's original golden age in the first half of the 20th century, when legendary filmmakers such as Luis Buñuel and Roberto Gavaldón stood out. He added that he remained confident in Mexican filmmakers' work.
He said the circumstances facing the industry today are not simple, noting that filmmaking is expensive and that Mexico's economy is not necessarily at its best moment, but that the industry keeps moving forward regardless.
The Story of Gungo
In the film, Gungo is a young caveman who does not excel at anything and seems unprepared to succeed his father as chief of his tribe. He must work together with his neighbors and better himself in order to find his way home and reclaim his place.
A Cast Spanning Generations
Alongside Cosío, the cast includes actress Silvia Navarro, who previously worked with him on the acclaimed 2014 film "La dictadura perfecta," directed by Luis Estrada, and young comedian and actor Daniel Sosa. The lineup spans several generations, and even the most experienced members of the cast said they were learning from the youngest.
Navarro, 47, said the world might end up being saved by the very qualities adults so often criticize in young people. She said that while parents and adults want to educate the young in the best way possible, in the end young people end up educating the adults too.
Cosío shared that view. He said family-oriented films like this one serve as his first point of contact with younger audiences who are unlikely to have seen more violent, adult-oriented work such as "Matando Cabos" (2004). He called the film a great opportunity to connect with new generations, not only as a possible audience but as the colleagues who helped build and tell the story.
The Studio Behind Gungo
That team is assembled by Huevocartoon, one of Latin America's most recognized animation studios. It is led by brothers Gabriel and Rodolfo Riva Palacio Alatriste, who have launched numerous film sagas and series through the studio. Cosío praised the producers of "Gungo," who also direct the film, saying there are people bold enough to take risks and not be discouraged by the adverse circumstances the industry faces.
Looking Beyond Mexico
"Gungo y los juegos cavernícolas" premiered in Mexico on Thursday, but its makers are also aiming to reach the United States and Spain, hoping to recoup close to 20 years of work that culminated in the film's release in theaters.
