Zootopia 2, an animated sequel to Disney released on November 27, 2025, reached US$272 million at the box office at China in just five days of showing. The film, directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, surpassed the original’s cumulative total in the country and recorded the second biggest opening for a foreign production, behind only Vingadores: Ultimato. Essa performance boosts Walt Disney in a key market where foreign animation faces increasing competition from local titles.
The premiere takes place amid the Ação holiday of Graças in the Estados Unidos, with the film grossing US$556 million globally to date. Na China, the Maoyan platform estimates that total revenue could reach 4.26 billion yuan, equivalent to US$600 million. The success reflects the franchise’s enduring appeal among families and young adults in the world’s second-largest film market.
The plot follows police rabbit Judy Hopps and fox Nick Wilde in a new investigation involving a mysterious reptile in the animal metropolis. Vozes like Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman and Ke Huy Quan attract diverse audiences.
- Biggest foreign animated opening in the history of China.
- It surpasses the first Zootopia by US$36 million in the country.
- It represents 95% of Chinese weekend ticket sales.
Initial performance at the Chinese box office
The film premiered on November 27, 2025, at 10am local time on Pequim, with 227 million yuan on the first day. Essa sets the record for highest daily box office for an imported animation.
Maoyan projections indicate continued growth, with 700 million yuan in a single Saturday. The cumulative total reaches 1.95 billion yuan as of December 1.
Factors such as record pre-sales, above 189 million yuan, contribute to the initial momentum.
Plot and production of the sequel
Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, now official partners on the police force of The narrative explores themes of diversity and partnership in a city divided by species.
Production, which began in 2020, features animation enhanced by Disney, including scenes in IMAX. The estimated budget of US$200 million reflects investments in visual effects and global dubbing.
Voice cast includes returns as Shakira in the character Gazelle and debuts of Quinta Brunson as Dra. Fuzzby. The direction of Bush and Howard maintains the satirical humor of the original.
Recorded at Burbank studios, the film underwent tests with Chinese audiences for cultural adjustments. Simultaneous Lançamento in 17 international markets reinforces Disney’s global strategy.
Impact on the Chinese film market
The box office haul of Zootopia 2 brings China’s annual total to 46.6 billion yuan in 2025. The film takes up 95% of opening weekend ticket sales, surpassing recent local productions.
Compared to Ne Zha 2, which grossed US$1.8 billion in the country, foreign animation demonstrates viability in family niches. Analistas expect the bond to help reach 50 billion yuan by the end of the year.
Pre-sales via platforms such as Maoyan and WeChat surpass records of Avatar: Caminho of Água. The strategy includes partnerships with local cinemas for screenings at premium times.
Marketing strategies at Ásia
Campaigns featuring the Shanghai Disneyland, including the Zootopia Land opening in 2023, drive interest. Immersive Exposições in Xangai and Pequim attract 2 million pre-launch visitors.
Four promotional shorts produced by Shanghai Animation Film Studio integrate Chinese cultural elements. Disney plans to launch more than 2,000 licensed products by the end of 2025.
Events with CEO Bob Iger on Xangai generate buzz on local social media. Colaborações with influencers results in a 9.7 rating on the Maoyan, above the original.
Distribution networks expand to 50,000 rooms, focusing on second and third tier cities.
Critical and public reception
Critics praise the narrative continuity, with 91% approval on Rotten Tomatoes. Nota A in CinemaScore reflects family appeal in early testing.
In China, social scores reach 9.7 in Maoyan, surpassing Inside Out 2 by 0.6 points. Plateias highlight messages of inclusivity in local reviews.
The film leads in 12 international markets, including Coreia’s Sul with $13.7 million. França records US$14.6 million, driven by holidays. Fóruns online discuss the balance between humor and social lessons, with mentions of characters like Flash, the sloth.
Comparison with previous successes of Disney
Zootopia 2 surpasses the original’s global opening by 239%, with US$556 million compared to US$232 million in 2016. In IMAX, it grosses US$32 million, a record for animation in November.
Against Frozen 2, it ranks as the third highest debut of Walt Disney Animation Studios. Vingadores: Ultimato remains a reference, but the sequence ties in Chinese projections.
The first Zootopia grossed US$1.02 billion worldwide; Analysts see similar potential for continuation. Moana 2, a recent competitor, totals US$ 225 million in the USA.
Performance in emerging markets, such as México with US$ 10.4 million, reinforces expansion.
Future projections and global launches
Estimates point to US$600 million in China, with a global total above US$1 billion. Lançamentos in December include Japão and Índia, with voice acting adjustments.
Disney schedules Avatar: Fire and Ash for December 19th at China, boosting the end of the year. Expansão of Zootopia Land in Asian parks follows the success.
Daily box office at China adds $10.7 million on December 2 for a total of $297 million. Tendência of post-holiday drop is monitored by studios. Investimentos in animated sequels grow 15% in Disney for 2026.
