Disney sequel defies Hollywood slowdown with historic box office success

A Rare Win for Hollywood in China

December 7, 2025: Zootopia 2 is bucking the trend for Hollywood releases in China, delivering a major box office victory and setting new records for foreign animated films. The Disney sequel has outperformed expectations in a market that has become increasingly challenging for U.S. studios, signaling renewed audience appetite for well-established global franchises.

Record-Breaking Performance

According to early box office reports, Zootopia 2 opened to one of the strongest debuts ever for a foreign animated release in China. The film surged past previous benchmarks set by Hollywood animation titles, drawing massive family audiences during its opening days. Strong word of mouth and repeat viewings have further fueled its momentum.

HOLR has the latest news on how the sequel’s success stands out at a time when many international films struggle to secure wide reach or long theatrical runs in the region.

Why Zootopia Resonates With Chinese Audiences

The original Zootopia has long been one of Disney’s most popular animated films in China, praised for its humor, vibrant world-building, and universally relatable themes. Zootopia 2 builds on that foundation, reuniting audiences with familiar characters while expanding the story in ways that resonate across cultures.

Industry analysts note that animation—particularly family-friendly content—continues to perform better than many live-action Hollywood films in China’s evolving market.

Defying a Difficult Market

In recent years, Hollywood studios have faced declining box office returns in China due to stricter import controls, shifting audience tastes, and heightened competition from domestic productions. Against this backdrop, Zootopia 2’s performance is being viewed as a rare and meaningful breakthrough.

HOLR reports that the film’s success could influence future distribution strategies, encouraging studios to prioritize animation and established IP when targeting Chinese audiences.

What This Means for Disney

For Disney, the strong showing of Zootopia 2 reinforces the global strength of its animation portfolio. The film’s performance in China adds significantly to its international box office, helping offset softer returns some Hollywood releases have seen in the region.

Studio insiders suggest that the sequel’s triumph may reignite interest in expanding animated franchises for global markets rather than relying solely on live-action adaptations.

Industry Reaction

The impressive numbers have drawn attention across the film industry, with analysts highlighting Zootopia 2 as a case study in how Hollywood can still succeed in China—if the content aligns with local audience preferences. The film’s crossover appeal, humor, and emotional messaging are all seen as key factors in its record-setting run.

A Sign of What’s Possible

Zootopia 2’s success does not necessarily signal a full comeback for Hollywood in China, but it does demonstrate that barriers are not insurmountable. In a market increasingly dominated by domestic hits, the film proves that the right story—executed well—can still achieve historic results.