Zootopia 2 is positioned for an exceptional worldwide debut, driven by unprecedented momentum in China and strong early indicators in the United States. The film officially premiered on November 26, 2025, and current box office data shows the sequel entering its global rollout with record-setting performance across several markets. In China, early projections point to an opening day around ¥250 million, or roughly 35 million dollars, supported by highly positive audience reactions. The five-day stretch is expected to exceed ¥1.6 billion, placing the film on course for one of the strongest debuts the market has seen from a Hollywood title in the post-pandemic era.
The scale of pre-sales in China reflects an unusually elevated level of demand. Zootopia 2 reached ¥308.1 million in advance ticket sales up to November 25, surpassing previous records for animated releases, including Ne Zha 2. Additional reporting shows the film steadily increasing its lead over several major benchmarks, eventually climbing to 44.6 million dollars in total presales, the third highest figure ever achieved by a Hollywood film in China. With exhibitors booking more than 254,000 screenings for opening day, the film is benefitting from the widest release ever granted to a non-Chinese title during its presale period.
Performance indicators from opening day further amplify expectations. By mid-afternoon on Wednesday, Zootopia 2 had already secured 28.5 million dollars from 264,000 screenings, surpassing the opening day total of Avatar: The Way of Water. With hours left in the day, estimates placed its final Wednesday range between 33 million and 36 million dollars. The film’s Maoyan score stands at 9.7, a rating broadly comparable to an A+ CinemaScore, signaling exceptionally strong word of mouth that may drive sustained attendance throughout the weekend.
The U.S. market is also contributing to the film’s early surge. Preview grosses are estimated at 10 million dollars, with a remarkably positive reception from both audiences and critics. Early critical sentiment records a 93 percent positive rating from 46 reviews. Industry analysts expect the Thanksgiving five-day total to exceed 170 million dollars, providing a strong domestic launch to pair with the heavy overseas demand. Combined international projections place the overseas opening at over 375 million dollars, with China accounting for at least 250 million of that figure.
The global opening could cross the 400 million dollar threshold, depending on how China performs through the extended release window. Some analysts note that China alone may match or surpass the overseas totals previously forecast by industry models. With presales now exceeding those of major releases such as Avatar: The Way of Water and F9, the sequel may challenge long-standing records for Hollywood films in China during the post-COVID period.
Zootopia 2 continues the story of Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde as they go undercover to investigate a mysterious reptile named Gary DeSnake. The film explores tensions within the city while the protagonists uncover a hidden history tied to Zootopia’s founding. Available in formats including 2D, 3D, and IMAX 3D, it now enters its theatrical run with substantial commercial momentum, supported by strong early reviews and historic levels of audience anticipation.
