The Unexpected Success of Zootopia 2 in China: A Ray of Hope for Hollywood?
In a surprising turn of events, Zootopia 2 has shattered records as the highest-grossing foreign animated film in China, defying the recent trend of waning interest in Hollywood productions. This sequel to the 2016 hit Zootopia has not only captivated Chinese audiences but also sparked curiosity and debate among industry observers.
Zootopia 2, known as Zootropolis 2 in some European countries, made its debut in China last week and has already made waves. In just seven days, it raked in an impressive 2 billion yuan (£213 million) in ticket sales, solidifying its position as one of the top-performing films of the year. On its fourth day of release, it even broke the single-day earnings record for an imported film, surpassing the mighty Avengers: Endgame.
But here's where it gets controversial: the success of Zootopia 2 stands in stark contrast to the recent struggles of Hollywood films in the Chinese market. Chinese audiences have increasingly favored domestic productions over their overseas counterparts, making the reception of Zootopia 2 all the more remarkable.
The Walt Disney production has a special connection with China. The original Zootopia reportedly grossed 1.5 billion yuan in the Chinese box office, making it the highest-grossing animated Hollywood film in the country at the time. This sequel has not only maintained but surpassed that success, solidifying its place in cinematic history.
And this is the part most people miss: Zootopia 2 has outperformed its American counterpart in Chinese theaters during its first week. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given the challenging economic and geopolitical climate.
Chinese moviegoers and critics attribute the film's success to its feel-good energy and relatable characters. In a divided era, Disney's ability to present such a story is seen as a breath of fresh air. As one user on the Chinese review website Douban wrote, "I am grateful that Disney is still willing to present stories like this... I sincerely hope to see more films like this."
Jared Bush, Walt Disney's chief creative officer and co-director of Zootopia 2, expressed surprise at the success of the original film in China. He noted that Chinese regulators allowed Zootopia to be screened for an extended six weeks, a rare privilege.
The impact of Zootopia extends beyond the box office. Shanghai Disneyland boasts the world's only Zootopia-themed land, and Disney even partnered with China Eastern Airlines to create a Zootopia-themed plane. These initiatives showcase the franchise's enduring popularity and influence.
Independent film critic Yu Yaqin attributes the success of Zootopia 2 to the extensive marketing campaigns surrounding the original film in 2016, which helped familiarize children with the characters and create anticipation for the sequel. Rance Pow, chief executive of Artisan Gateway, a film and cinema advisory firm, highlights the significance of Zootopia 2's success, indicating Chinese audiences' continued interest in resonant films regardless of origin.
A notable aspect of Zootopia 2 is the character Gary De'Snake, a blue-scaled pit viper voiced by Ke Huy Quan. This character, introduced in the sequel, has resonated particularly well with Chinese audiences, perhaps due to the Chinese zodiac's designation of 2025 as the Year of the Snake.
Despite Zootopia 2's success, it remains an outlier in the context of US releases in China. In 2024, Hollywood films grossed 5.8 billion yuan in Chinese cinemas, while domestic productions dominated with 31.7 billion yuan. This year, 48 Hollywood films have been granted entry into Chinese cinemas, and Zootopia 2 has contributed significantly to their overall gross of approximately 5.7 billion yuan.
Amidst the ongoing US-China trade tensions, the China Film Administration announced a reduction in the number of US films granted licenses for China. However, the details remain unclear, and China has actually allowed more Hollywood movies into its cinemas this year compared to last year.
The Chinese government has promoted a patriotic trend in blockbuster releases, with so-called "wolf warrior" epics like The Battle at Lake Changjin gaining popularity. These films, sponsored by the Communist Party, depict Chinese soldiers battling Americans in the Korean War.
China's biggest success story of recent years is Ne Zha 2, a Chinese animation that achieved stratospheric heights, earning a whopping 15.4 billion yuan at the Chinese box office. This film's success, however, should not be seen as representative of the entire Chinese film industry, according to Yu Yaqin.
Yu cautions that the extraordinary success of Ne Zha 2 should not overshadow the continued need for Hollywood movies in China. While domestic films are on the rise, the competition is fiercer, creating a more diverse and dynamic cinematic landscape.
Research by Lillian Yang.
