In a world where Hollywood films are increasingly struggling to find an audience in China, one animated sequel is defying all odds and breaking records. Zootopia 2 (known as Zootropolis 2 in some European markets) has become the highest-grossing foreign animated film in China, shattering expectations and reigniting a conversation about the future of international cinema in the world’s second-largest movie market. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Chinese audiences are flocking to domestic productions, this Disney sequel has managed to capture their hearts—and wallets—in a way few foreign films have in recent years. Is this a one-off success, or a sign of shifting tides?
Released in China last week, Zootopia 2 raked in a staggering 2 billion yuan (£213 million) in its first seven days, outperforming even Avengers: Endgame in single-day earnings. This feel-good comedy, centered on animal cops unraveling a reptilian mystery, has not only dominated the Chinese box office but also surpassed its North American performance in the same timeframe. And this is the part most people miss: its success comes at a time when Hollywood’s presence in China is waning, with domestic films like Ne Zha 2—a Chinese animation that earned 15.4 billion yuan earlier this year—dominating the market.
The original Zootopia (2016) was already a hit in China, grossing 1.5 billion yuan and becoming the highest-grossing animated Hollywood film at the time. But the sequel’s triumph is particularly noteworthy given the current climate. In 2024, Hollywood films grossed just 5.8 billion yuan in China, compared to 31.7 billion yuan for domestic productions. This year, while 48 Hollywood films have been granted entry, Zootopia 2 alone accounts for nearly 40% of their total earnings. Why is this Disney sequel resonating so strongly when others have faltered?
Chinese audiences and critics point to the film’s uplifting tone as a key factor, especially in a challenging economic and geopolitical environment. As one Douban user put it, “I’m grateful Disney is still willing to present stories like this in such a divided era.” The film’s prolonged marketing campaigns in China, including a Zootopia-themed land at Shanghai Disneyland and a themed plane with China Eastern Airlines, have also kept the franchise top-of-mind for years. Additionally, the introduction of Gary De’Snake, a blue-scaled pit viper voiced by Ke Huy Quan, has struck a chord with Chinese audiences—particularly fitting as 2025 is the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac.
But the success of Zootopia 2 raises questions. Is this a unique case, or does it signal a renewed appetite for foreign films that resonate culturally? Rance Pow, CEO of Artisan Gateway, argues that the film’s performance “demonstrates Chinese moviegoers’ continuing interest in films that resonate, regardless of origin.” Yet, the Chinese government’s push for patriotic blockbusters, like the Communist Party-sponsored The Battle at Lake Changjin, complicates the narrative. Are foreign films like Zootopia 2 merely exceptions, or can they still compete in a market increasingly favoring domestic storytelling?
Independent film critic Yu Yaqin cautions against overinterpreting Zootopia 2’s success, noting that Ne Zha 2’s record-breaking performance reflects a broader trend of Chinese audiences favoring homegrown content. “Just because Chinese domestic movies are on the rise doesn’t mean there’s no need for Hollywood movies,” she says. “It just means the competition is more fierce.”
As the U.S.-China trade war continues to escalate, with the China Film Administration hinting at further restrictions on Hollywood imports, Zootopia 2 stands as a fascinating outlier. Is this the last hurrah for Hollywood in China, or a blueprint for future success? What do you think? Is Zootopia 2’s triumph a fluke, or a sign that foreign films can still thrive in China with the right mix of storytelling and marketing? Let us know in the comments!
