Zootopia debuted in 2016 as a hit family film that mixed mystery with timely themes. It earned more than $1 billion worldwide and expanded the world through the Zootopia+ series on Disney+. The sequel brings back Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, with a new threat from reptilian enemies and Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 star Ke Huy Quan joining the cast as Gary De’Snake.
Zootopia 2 quickly made a strong impression. It earned $10.2 million in previews, second only to Moana 2 among Disney Animation releases. Domestic forecasts for the opening weekend were between $130 million and $160 million, and it opened with $39.5 million on its first day. International numbers were strong, with an opening day in China at $33.7 million, contributing to a global start that approached $556 million for the five day period. The five day total was the largest for an animated film and a top opening in Hollywood history.
The film’s performance helped cement Disney Animation’s status. By the five day window, it stood at $156 million in the U.S. and $400 million internationally. In the three day period it earned $96.8 million in North America, second only to Moana 2 in 2024. China was a key factor, with the film debuting strong and ranking high among global openings for animated titles.
Another box office note came from Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, which opened to $56.5 million and led the domestic box office. This gave Zootopia 2 a second place status during its second weekend. Deadline and other outlets noted the horror opening as a big moment for Blumhouse-Atomic Monster, the studio behind the film.
Overall, Zootopia 2 set multiple records. It marked the largest global opening for an animated sequel, the biggest worldwide debut for any Disney animated film, the strongest opening since 2021, and the highest global launch of 2025 so far. The original Zootopia opened to $75 million in the U.S. in 2016 and finished with $1.025 billion worldwide, a benchmark the sequel now looks poised to surpass.
Disney officials praised the film’s performance. Alan Bergman, Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman, called it a proud moment for Disney Animation. The film continued to perform well as awards season approached, competing with other major releases and upcoming titles.
The run of strong box office has analysts watching for broader effects. Some fear the focus on sequels could shift attention away from original stories. Yet the numbers show a global audience still responds to familiar characters and familiar worlds. The trend highlights the cultural and economic impact of big franchises in today’s cinema landscape.
As of early January, Zootopia 2 had earned about $1.46 billion worldwide, a milestone that cements its place as a top earner for Disney Animation and places it ahead of recent titles in the company’s catalog. The film’s success is part of a broader pattern that shapes production choices and investor expectations in the entertainment industry.
Analysts say the trend is far from over. Disney’s emphasis on sequels and familiar franchises appears to be delivering results while raising questions about the balance between original storytelling and franchise extensions.
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English (US) · 