‘Zootopia 2’ Shatters China’s Box Office Record with $275M Debut
Disney’s “Zootopia 2” has achieved a remarkable milestone, emerging as the highest-grossing animated foreign film in China. Within its opening six days, the film amassed approximately 1.95 billion yuan, equating to about $275.6 million.
Zootopia 2 Breaks Box Office Records in China
This success comes at a time when interest in overseas films within China has waned. Despite this, Ashley Dudarenok, founder of the digital consultancy Chozan, emphasized the movie’s significance, stating it conveys themes of personal resilience and societal harmony that resonate strongly with local audiences.
Opening Weekend Performance
- 95% of all movie ticket sales during the opening weekend came from “Zootopia 2”.
- It outperformed other Hollywood films, which have lost traction in the Chinese market.
The film’s performance is especially notable considering the recent challenges facing foreign films in China. Since the debut of the original “Zootopia” in 2016, the landscape for these movies has shifted. The U.S.-China trade war resulted in restrictions on American films, limiting their theatrical releases in China. Analysts suggest these changes have had a minimal effect given the declining interest in foreign films.
The Rise of Domestic Films
As domestic productions gain popularity, they surpass Hollywood’s offerings. Earlier in 2023, the local animated film “Ne Zha 2” exceeded Pixar’s “Inside Out 2,” becoming the highest-grossing animated film globally, with earnings nearing $2 billion in China. Despite this competition, Disney maintains optimism towards “Zootopia 2.”
Strategic Marketing Efforts
To bolster its presence in this market, Disney took significant steps before the film’s release. CEO Bob Iger attended a promotional event in Shanghai, underscoring the company’s commitment to the Chinese audience. Additionally, Disney collaborated with China Eastern Airlines to launch a “Zootopia 2”-themed airplane.
Moreover, the Shanghai Disneyland resort features the world’s only “Zootopia”-themed land, which opened in 2023, tapping into the enthusiasm for the franchise.
Future Implications for Hollywood
Experts like Chris Fenton, author of “Feeding the Dragon,” caution against overoptimism regarding “Zootopia 2’s” performance. Fenton argues that Hollywood’s reliance on the Chinese market for recovery may be misguided. Beijing does not view Hollywood films as a solution to its economic challenges and remains vigilant about the influence such movies may have.
In conclusion, while “Zootopia 2” has shattered box office records in China with a stellar debut, the changing dynamics of the film market suggest a complex relationship between Chinese audiences and foreign productions.
