Zootopia 2 Breaks Records as China's Highest-Grossing Foreign Animation

Zootopia 2 has made history as the highest-grossing foreign animated film in China, achieving approximately 2 billion yuan, or 213 million dollars, in ticket sales within just its first week. This sequel, which premiered last week, has outperformed its predecessor, the original Zootopia, which grossed 1.5 billion yuan in China.

Notably, Zootopia 2 broke the single-day earnings record for an imported film just four days after its release, surpassing Avengers: Endgame. The film's success comes at a time when Hollywood productions have been struggling in the Chinese market, largely due to a preference for domestic films among audiences.

Analysts suggest that the film's positive energy resonates well with viewers, especially in the current economic climate. The character Gary DeSnake, voiced by Ke Huy Quan, has gained particular popularity, especially as 2025 marks the year of the snake in the Chinese zodiac.

It seems that prolonged marketing efforts and cultural familiarity from the original film have played crucial roles in creating anticipation for this sequel. Despite the rise of domestic productions, Zootopia 2's performance indicates a continued interest in foreign films that resonate with local audiences, according to Rance Pow, CEO of Artisan Gateway.

The film has accounted for about 40% of the revenue from Hollywood films released in China this year, highlighting its significant impact amid a competitive landscape dominated by local productions. Analysts also note that while domestic movies are gaining traction, there remains a market for foreign films in China, reaffirming their potential to contribute to the growth of the theatrical industry.