The Zootopia franchise was always more popular internationally than in North America.
The 2016 Disney original film grossed over $1 billion at the global box office from a modest production budget of just $150 million, and 67% of its box office haul came from foreign markets.
It looks as if the forthcoming sequel is about to double down on that split as all signs are pointing towards a jaw-dropping international debut for the sequel, particularly in China.
Disney, for its part, leveraged the film's animal themes to align with Chinese cultural traditions and specific zodiac animals. That marketing move has paid off in the past and appears poised to capture lightning in a bottle for a second time.
For instance, Zootopia 2 will introduce Gary the Snake (voiced by Ke Huy Quan), and 2025 just-so happens to be the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac calendar.
Analysts predict a $150-$175 million opening weekend gross for the long-awaited sequel in North America alone, but the film is projected to surpass the $200 million mark in China.
Zootopia 2 hits theaters tomorrow, November 26, 2025 and will enjoy a box office boost in the states, thanks to the long Thanksgiving weekend.
"The wildest mystery in Zootopia hisssstory."
"In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia 2,” detectives Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman) find themselves on the twisting trail of a mysterious reptile who arrives in Zootopia and turns the animal metropolis upside down. To crack the case, Judy and Nick must go undercover to unexpected new parts of town, where their growing partnership is tested like never before."