Disney's Zootopia 2 has generated 2.13 billion yuan ($302 million) in China as of December 3, 2025, surpassing its North American earnings and demonstrating how strategic localization and market openness foster mutual success. The animated sequel's performance contrasts sharply with recent struggles faced by Hollywood films in the Chinese mainland, where imported titles have seen declining traction since 2019's Avengers: Endgame.
China's April 2025 decision to moderately reduce U.S. film imports makes Zootopia 2's achievement particularly notable. Industry analysts attribute its success to deliberate cultural adaptation, including the 2023 opening of a dedicated Zootopia theme area at Shanghai Disney Resort. The original 2016 film remains a benchmark, earning 1.54 billion yuan ($218 million) and maintaining a 9.3/10 rating on Douban, China's leading review platform.
This year's box office dynamics underscore the Chinese market's selective appetite for foreign content that aligns with local preferences. As global studios navigate policy shifts, Zootopia 2 exemplifies how cross-cultural storytelling and sustained IP engagement can bridge international markets.
