'Zootopia 2' tops single-day imported animation box office in China

Disney's "Zootopia 2" 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 227 million yuan ($32 million) on its opening day, becoming the highest-earning imported animated film for a single day in China's box-office history. As of 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 27, its total earnings had already surpassed 300 million yuan ($42 million).

When the first "Zootopia" film hit theaters in 2016, it earned 1.53 billion yuan ($216 million) on the Chinese mainland, the second-largest box-office market after North America. Nine years later, the sequel is demonstrating equally strong momentum, with current projections suggesting a final gross of more than 2.6 billion yuan ($367 million).

Beyond the big screen, "Zootopia 2" is fueling a wave of brand collaborations, with nearly 60 officially announced partnerships across product categories, including collectibles, trading cards, apparel, snacks, fast food, e-commerce, smartphones, and even automobiles.

Narratively, 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.