Disney's much-anticipated sequel, Zootopia 2, has unleashed a box office stampede of historic proportions. The animated film has not only dominated the lucrative Thanksgiving holiday frame but has also rewritten the record books for animated features worldwide.
A Record-Shattering Global Opening
According to studio estimates released on Sunday, Zootopia 2 amassed a colossal $556 million globally since its opening on Wednesday. The film's performance over the traditional weekend was massive, earning $96 million in North America alone. Its five-day Thanksgiving haul was even more impressive, reaching $156 million domestically.
This explosive start has cemented several major achievements. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), Zootopia 2 now holds the title for the highest international opening ever for an animated movie. It is also the fourth-highest global debut for any film and stands as the top international opener of the entire year.
Conquering the Chinese Box Office
The sequel's success story has a particularly loud chapter in China. Reuters reported that the film has already become Hollywood's highest-grossing animated movie in China, with a staggering $272 million tally. This surpasses the record previously set by the first Zootopia film back in 2016.
Disney executives are celebrating the monumental win. "It’s a proud moment for Disney Animation and all of us at Disney, not to mention a great way to start the holiday season," said Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman in a statement cited by Reuters.
Building on a Blockbuster Legacy
The sequel's performance builds on the phenomenal legacy of the original film. Variety noted that the first Zootopia opened in March 2016 with a strong $75 million in North America. It went on to become a global phenomenon, ultimately earning $341 million domestically and crossing the $1.02 billion mark worldwide.
The Thanksgiving weekend proved to be a bonanza for cinemas overall. CNN reported, citing Comscore data, that Zootopia 2 and another major release, Wicked: For Good, combined to earn $249 million domestically over the five-day period. Wicked: For Good has itself secured $393.25 million globally since its debut.
Industry analysts see this as a powerful boost for the theatrical business. "Think about how many people were in theaters over the past week, being exposed to theater marketing and trailers. Hopefully that creates the momentum that can give us a really solid home stretch of the year," said analyst Dergarabedian.
The film, which returns audiences to the bustling animal metropolis and follows the adventures of bunny police officer Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and her fox partner Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), has clearly resonated with families worldwide, setting a new benchmark for animated success.
