Zootopia 2 Breaks Box Office Records in China

Disney's animated sequel, Zootopia 2, has opened with a staggering $272 million at the Chinese box office over the recent holiday weekend, marking the biggest Hollywood opening in years. This impressive five-day haul positions the film as the second-best opening ever for a U.S. film in China, trailing only Avengers: Endgame, which grossed $330.5 million.

Zootopia 2 has also shattered numerous records for nonlocal animated releases in the country, including the largest opening, largest single-day performance, and highest cumulative total. In the U.S., the film is performing exceptionally well, holding a 91 percent fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and in China, it boasts outstanding social scores of 9.7 on Maoyan and 8.6 on Douban.

Maoyan forecasts Zootopia 2 could earn over $590 million in total, with a projected cumulative total of RMB 4.2 billion. The original Zootopia, known as Crazy Animal City in China, was a massive success in 2016, ultimately grossing $236 million after a modest opening of $22 million.

This earlier film resonated deeply with Chinese audiences, particularly through its protagonist Judy Hopps, a young rabbit pursuing her dreams in a bustling city. Disney fortified its connection to the market by launching the world's first Zootopia-themed land at Shanghai Disney Resort in late 2023, which has quickly become one of the park's most popular attractions.

The global premiere of Zootopia 2 took place at Shanghai Disneyland on November 18, featuring U.S. voice cast members including Ginnifer Goodwin and Ke Huy Quan, alongside director Jared Bush. This significant success comes amid a period where U.S. films have struggled to capture Chinese audiences, who have increasingly favored local productions.

However, Zootopia 2's performance suggests a robust appetite for select Hollywood blockbusters remains, despite the challenges faced by foreign films in the region. Looking ahead, Disney has another major title in development for China in 2025, James Cameron's Avatar: Fire and Ash, which also carries deep emotional ties to Chinese audiences, especially millennials.

The first Avatar film launched in 2010 and grossed $202.6 million, while its sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water, earned $246 million in China, despite facing hurdles from COVID restrictions. Zootopia 2's strong debut may signal a revitalization of Disney's brand in China and highlight the enduring appeal of animated sequels in international markets.