“Zootopia 2” has made a resounding entry into the cinematic landscape, marking one of the most successful box office debuts in history. This Disney animated sequel has captivated audiences globally, securing $556 million during its opening, an achievement that places it in elite company alongside other blockbuster hits.
Record-Breaking Global Debut
The box office performance of “Zootopia 2” ranks as the fourth-highest ever, trailing only behind monumental releases such as “Avengers: Endgame,” “Avengers: Infinity War,” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” With international ticket sales contributing $400 million and domestic earnings at $156 million, the film has set records for the largest global and international animated launch in history and the biggest worldwide start for any 2025 release.
Chinese Market Surge
The success of “Zootopia 2” is particularly notable in China, where it amassed $272 million, positioning it as the biggest non-local animated opening ever. This feat also marks the second-largest non-local debut following “Avengers: Endgame.” In just a few days, the sequel has already surpassed the total earnings of the original “Zootopia” in China. The franchise’s popularity has been further fueled by the opening of Zootopia Land at Shanghai Disneyland. Other top-performing territories included France, Korea, Mexico, and Germany.
Storyline and Reception
Directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, “Zootopia 2” continues to weave its magic with dynamic storytelling. The plot follows a rabbit police officer, voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin, and a con artist fox, played by Jason Bateman, as they join forces to solve a mystery involving a new reptilian character, voiced by Ke Huy Quan. The film’s engaging narrative and strong reviews suggest that it will remain a formidable presence at the box office.
IMAX and Holiday Success
The combined success of “Zootopia 2” and “Wicked: For Good” propelled IMAX to achieve its biggest Thanksgiving tally ever, with $40.8 million in global sales, a significant increase from the previous year. “Zootopia 2” emerged as IMAX’s most successful Thanksgiving release, with $32 million in sales, bolstered by impressive earnings from China. Meanwhile, “Wicked: For Good” continued to perform well, contributing to a robust holiday season for moviegoers.
IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond noted, “‘Zootopia 2’ and ‘Wicked: For Good’ delivered a phenomenal one-two punch for the Thanksgiving holiday—hitting the sweet spot for family audiences and sending our global box office soaring well past expectations.” The success of these films underscores a renewed enthusiasm for distinctive cinematic experiences during the holiday season.
