As 2025 draws to a close, China's film industry is once again proving its extraordinary vitality. By Friday afternoon, "Zootopia 2" had accumulated 2.28 billion yuan ($322.98 million) at the Chinese box office, setting off a wave of industry attention. 

The film has broken multiple records for imported animated features in China. On November 29, it generated more than 738 million yuan in a single day – surpassing the previous benchmark held by "Avengers: Endgame" and becoming the highest single-day earner for any imported film in China's history. By Wednesday, its box office surpassed two billion yuan, securing its position as China's all-time top-grossing imported animated film and making the Chinese mainland the film's largest box-office market worldwide, far exceeding North America.

Alongside its theatrical success, Zootopia 2 has ignited a booming wave of IP-driven consumption. Even before its release, the film had partnered with more than 60 brands, covering sectors such as designer toys, beverages, children's apparel, home appliances, automobiles, and smartphones.

Yi Zhang, founder and CEO of iiMedia Research Group, told Securities Times that strong IPs have succeeded because of their distinctive characters and emotional resonance. Supported by thoughtful merchandise planning and diverse marketing channels, these IPs have extended the excitement from cinema screens into daily consumer behavior, turning audience affection into sustained purchasing momentum.

Industry forecasts have reinforced this trend. According to the Annual Report on China's Pop Toy and Animation and Comic Industries (2024), the country's branded toy industry is projected to reach 110.1 billion yuan by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate of 24 percent. This growing demand for IP-related products is opening broader opportunities for film merchandise development.

With its open market and mature industrial ecosystem, China continues to provide global creators and investors with a dynamic stage for cooperation, reshaping the landscape of global entertainment partnerships.

(Cover via VCG)