Why “Zootopia 2” Wins Big in China丨CBN Perspective

By Stephanie LI丨SFC, 21st Century Business Herald

As Marvel superheroes stumble and Disney princesses falter, a rabbit cop and a fox con artist are rewriting the rules of Hollywood success in China in late 2025.

The return of the favorite duo Nick and Judy knocked Avengers off its feat, as “Zootopia 2” roars back at the Chinese box office, breaking multiple records nine years after the original franchise charmed global audiences.

The Disney sequel opened to impressive numbers. The animation premiered in China on November 26, day-and-date with North America, and immediately set a new box-office benchmark.

According to movie data platform Beacon Pro, the film grossed CNY227 million (USD32 million) on its opening day, becoming the highest-earning imported animated film for a single day in China's box-office history.

Industry projections for the film's final China run are now sky-high. Maoyan forecasts a final total of approximately CNY4.25 billion for "Zootopia 2." Should it reach that level, it could put the film on par with "Avengers: Endgame" and position it to challenge the title of highest-grossing imported film ever in China. 

The Oscar-winning core team spent nine years crafting the new film, which involved a 700-member production crew, 80 new settings, 76 animal species, up to 140 variations, and crowd scenes featuring as many as 50,000 characters.

The sequel picks up right where the original left off. Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde reunite as a trusted duo, guiding audiences back into the vibrant metropolis of “Zootopia” for a fresh adventure. Fan-favorite characters such as Flash the Sloth, Mr. Big and his daughter Fru Fru, Gazelle, and Clawhauser return, while a new character – Gary De'Snake – adds an intriguing twist to the story.

While its Douban rating is slightly lower than the original’s 9.3/10, the sequel still holds a strong 8.5, showing solid audience support. After watching the film, many viewers praised its fast pace, detailed animation, and the chemistry between Judy and Nick.

The popularity of “Zootopia 2” in China extends beyond theaters. As Judy and Nick now become two of China’s most in-demand IP characters once again, over 60 brands, including Luckin Coffee, Miniso, Pop Mart, and SAIC Volkswagen, released “Zootopia 2-themed” merchandise. These collaborations sparked a wave of fan-driven spending both online and offline.

Meanwhile, Shanghai Disneyland—the world’s first and only park with a full Zootopia-themed land—is enhancing the sequel’s momentum by updating more than 200 details inside its popular attraction “Zootopia: Hot Pursuit.”

Now let’s dig deeper into why “Zootopia 2” achieves such extraordinary feats in the Chinese market.

First, nostalgia laid the groundwork. The 2016 original “Zootopia" became a cultural icon in China with engaging plot, beloved characters, and cultural nuances. The sequel capitalizes on this emotional connection, reviving the whimsical Zootopia universe and familiar faces to evoke cherished childhood memories, turning long-time fans into eager patrons.

Disney’s localized marketing is then a masterstroke. Coinciding with Shanghai Disney’s ninth anniversary and its milestone of 100 million cumulative visitors, the film creates synergy between theatrical and experiential entertainment. Not to mention the new character, Gary De’Snake, which coincides with the Chinese Year of the Snake.

Voice casting reveals similar thinking. Disney brought back Ji Guanlin and Chang Chen as Judy and Nick, signaling that continuity and emotional connection matter more than technical perfection.

The market environment further fueled its success. China’s demand for high-quality animation far outstrips supply. Domestic hits are scarce, and recent Hollywood animations underperformed. The “Super Mario Bros” movie grossed just CNY171 million in 2023, while “Inside Out 2” earned CNY344 million in 2024. “Zootopia 2,” with its proven IP and universal appeal, filled this gap, becoming the top choice for diverse audiences.

Finally, state-of-the-art technology delivers a visual spectacle. Judy’s fur rendering is 40% more efficient, with realistic translucency in rain; Gary’s scales achieve “microscopic realism,” showing wetness and sand adhesion. Advanced techniques like global illumination and AI-powered virtual production create immersive scenes—color-shifting underwater coral reefs, physics-driven desert sand, and “flying cities” formed by migrating birds—enhancing the film’s allure.

The triumph of “Zootopia 2” lies in its ability to resonate deeply. By blending nostalgia, meaningful content, local adaptation, market timing, and technical innovation, it proves animation’s power to entertain and unite. For Chinese audiences, it’s a return to a beloved world, and a testament to what happens when a global IP truly understands its audience.

Editor: LI Yanxia

Host: Stephanie LI

Writer: Stephanie LI

Sound Editor: Stephanie LI

Graphic Designer: ZHENG Wenjing, LIAO Yuanni

Produced by 21st Century Business Herald Dept. of Overseas News.

Presented by SFC