In a world where Hollywood films are increasingly struggling to find their footing in China, one animated sequel is defying all odds and rewriting the rules. Zootopia 2 (known as Zootropolis 2 in some European markets) has shattered records, becoming the highest-grossing foreign animated film in China’s history. But here’s where it gets controversial: in an era dominated by domestic blockbusters and geopolitical tensions, how did a Disney film about animal cops and a reptilian mystery manage to captivate Chinese audiences so profoundly? And this is the part most people miss: its success isn’t just about box office numbers—it’s a cultural phenomenon that challenges assumptions about global cinema’s appeal in China.
Released just last week, Zootopia 2 raked in a staggering 2 billion yuan (£213 million) in its first seven days, outperforming even Avengers: Endgame in single-day earnings. This isn’t just a win for Disney; it’s a seismic shift in a market where Hollywood has been losing ground to homegrown productions. In 2024, domestic Chinese films grossed 31.7 billion yuan, dwarfing Hollywood’s 5.8 billion yuan. Yet, Zootopia 2 alone accounts for nearly 40% of Hollywood’s 2025 earnings in China, proving that when a film resonates, it transcends borders—even in a strictly controlled import market.
But why this film? And why now? Critics and audiences alike point to its feel-good narrative, which offers a much-needed escape in a time of economic and geopolitical uncertainty. As one Douban user poignantly wrote, ‘I’m grateful Disney still dares to tell stories like this in such a divided era.’ The film’s universal themes of unity and resilience strike a chord, especially in a country where patriotic ‘wolf warrior’ epics like The Battle at Lake Changjin dominate the cultural landscape. Yet, Zootopia 2’s success raises a provocative question: does its triumph signal a shift in Chinese tastes, or is it a one-off anomaly?
Disney’s strategic marketing can’t be overlooked. The original Zootopia (2016) was heavily promoted in China, with prolonged campaigns that made its characters household names. The sequel’s new character, Gary De’Snake—a blue-scaled pit viper voiced by Ke Huy Quan—has become particularly beloved, perhaps boosted by 2025 being the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac. Even Shanghai Disneyland’s Zootopia-themed land and a themed plane partnership with China Eastern Airlines have kept the franchise top-of-mind.
Yet, Zootopia 2’s success is an outlier. In 2025, despite China allowing 48 Hollywood films into its theaters—up from 41 in 2024—the overall trend remains clear: domestic films reign supreme. Ne Zha 2, a Chinese animation, grossed 15.4 billion yuan earlier this year, overshadowing even Zootopia 2. As Beijing film critic Yu Yaqin notes, ‘Chinese consumers feel closer to domestic movies, not just Hollywood.’ But she cautions against writing off foreign films entirely: ‘The competition is fiercer, but there’s still room for Hollywood—if it gets it right.’
So, what does Zootopia 2’s success really mean? Is it a sign that Hollywood can still thrive in China with the right story and strategy? Or is it a fleeting exception in a market increasingly favoring its own narratives? And here’s a thought-provoking question for you: in an age of rising nationalism and cultural divides, can films like Zootopia 2 bridge gaps—or are they just a temporary escape? Let’s discuss in the comments.
