Zootopia 2 has taken the box office by storm. Over the weekend, theater managers across China reported a surge in attendance reminiscent of the Lunar New Year holiday season.
Some cinemas even scheduled late-night screenings, with the latest showing starting at 00:45 and ending at 2:33 AM. According to Maoyan Pro, the film is projected to rake in over 700 million yuan ($98 million) on November 29 alone, with its total box office forecast revised upward to 4.263 billion yuan ($600 million).
The current domestic single-day box office record, held by *Nezha: The Devil’s Birth* (8.66 billion yuan during this year’s Lunar New Year), is now within reach for *Zootopia 2*.
Li Yanlu, manager of Jinan New Century Cinema, noted, “Right now, *Zootopia 2* has no competition. Smaller theaters are screening nothing else.” By 11:00 PM on November 29, the film’s cumulative earnings had surpassed 1.4 billion yuan ($197 million). At this pace, surpassing *Fast & Furious 8* (2.67 billion yuan) to become China’s second-highest-grossing imported film—and even challenging *Avengers: Endgame* (4.25 billion yuan)—seems inevitable.
**Dominating the Market** Theaters nationwide are dedicating nearly all screenings to *Zootopia 2*, with some locations offering no other films. Li explained, “Without advance bookings, weekend viewers are left with only corner seats for prime-time showings.”
Data from Lighthouse Pro reveals that *Zootopia 2* accounted for 77.9% of screenings and a staggering 94.9% of box office revenue on November 29, with single-day projections exceeding 750 million yuan ($105 million). Li likened the frenzy to *Nezha*’s Lunar New Year performance, though *Zootopia 2* enjoys an uncontested run.
The film’s appeal spans generations. While college students dominated weekday audiences, families flooded theaters over the weekend. “The IP is incredibly strong—my child insisted on watching it right after school,” Li added. Despite its nine-year gap since the original, *Zootopia*’s cultural resonance remains intact, with its theme song *Try Everything* still captivating young viewers.
**Critical Acclaim and Global Impact** Though its Douban score dipped slightly from the first film’s 9.3 to 8.5, *Zootopia 2* has been praised for deepening its exploration of prejudice and inclusion while introducing fresh characters like Gary the Snake.
Released simultaneously in China and North America on November 26, the sequel has revitalized Disney’s global prospects. The company’s Q4 2025 earnings showed a $376 million year-on-year decline in entertainment revenue, partly due to weaker theatrical releases. In China, Disney’s animated films have struggled to cross 500 million yuan since 2020—making *Zootopia 2*’s success pivotal.
Globally, China leads with $206 million of the film’s $313 million total, dwarfing North America’s $59.2 million. Disney’s targeted marketing, including collaborations with Shanghai Animation Film Studio and cross-promotions with brands like Miniso, Pop Mart, and Luckin Coffee, has amplified its reach.
**Merchandise and Theme Park Boom** Pop Mart’s *Zootopia*-themed collectibles sold out instantly, while 52TOYS’ toy lines and Luckin’s limited-edition products faced similar demand. The film’s popularity has also driven traffic to Shanghai Disneyland, which welcomed its 100 millionth visitor this November.
Disney reports that *Zootopia* licensing in Greater China has tripled since 2023, with over 2,000 licensed products expected by year-end.
**Why Animation Reigns Supreme** Li attributes the genre’s dominance to audiences prioritizing storytelling, sensory engagement, and emotional resonance over flashy effects or franchise fatigue. “Moviegoers today make deliberate choices—they won’t settle for formulaic blockbusters,” he emphasized.
From *Nezha* to *Zootopia 2*, 2025 has proven that animation, not live-action spectacles, is the true box office king.
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