Disney’s animated sequel "Zootopia 2" has taken the world by storm, with its biggest box-office run on the Chinese mainland. Audiences have flocked to theaters, making China the film’s most lucrative territory to date.
As of December 22, 2025, the movie had grossed over 3.8 billion yuan ($540 million) on the Chinese mainland, surpassing its North American earnings and accounting for nearly half of its global box-office haul.
“We knew China was important, but this performance exceeded all expectations,” said Stanley Rosen, professor of political science and international relations at the University of Southern California. “It shows how audience tastes around the world can reshape Hollywood strategies.”
Film publicist Will Zang added that the sequel’s success underscores the Chinese mainland’s enduring influence as one of the world’s most powerful markets – where a hit can transform a solid performer into a true global phenomenon.
With studios now paying closer attention, the global film industry is likely to tailor future releases to resonate across markets, highlighting the power of cross-border storytelling in today’s interconnected world.
Reference(s):
Success of 'Zootopia' in China catches US industry attention
cgtn.com
