Entertainment
The world of Zootopia returned to global cinemas in spectacular fashion as Zootopia 2 delivered a record-breaking $559.5 million global opening weekend. With $158 million earned domestically over five days and $401.5 million from international markets, the film marks one of the strongest worldwide debuts in animation history. The achievement firmly positions The Walt Disney Company at the forefront of global animated entertainment.
Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman praised the massive response, calling it a proud moment for the studio and a powerful start to the holiday season. Featuring the voices of Ginnifer Godwin, Jason Bateman, Ke Huy Quan and a wide range of celebrity cameos, Zootopia 2 now ranks as the fourth highest global opening of all time, the biggest global debut of 2025, and the largest global animated opening ever at the comparable rates and markets, three of which are held by Disney itself.
Jared Bush, the film's writer, director and Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios, credited the film's success to the universal connection the viewers feel toward the animal characters. He noted that people naturally see themselves, their friends and their everyday encounters reflected in the personalities of Zootopia's diverse species.
Zootopia 2 Extends Disney's Animal Universe with New Species & Bigger Worldbuilding
Co-directed by Bush and Byron Howard, the film not only marks Disney’s biggest animated launch but also delivers the 6th-highest opening of all time in China, including the country’s largest non-local animated debut ever. It also ranks as China’s second-biggest non-local opening after Avengers: Endgame.
Zootopia, the 2016 original had crossed $1 billion and earned the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, Zootopia 2 opened 239% ahead of its predecessor. The sequel continues the story of rookie cops Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde as they are drawn into a new mystery centered around Gary De’Snake, voiced by Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan, whose sudden appearance destabilizes the city.
Producer Yvett Merino described Gary as a character with profound innocence and optimism, traits that naturally challenge Judy and Nick. The filmmakers also introduce 178 unique characters spanning 67 species, reinforcing the city’s identity as a dynamic mammal metropolis while expanding it to include reptiles, semi-aquatic species and more.
New cast members include Fortune Feimster as Nibbles Maplestick, Andy Samberg as Pawbert Lynxley, Patrick Warburton as Mayor Winddancer, and Quinta Brunson as Dr. Fuzzby. Returning favorites include Idris Elba as Chief Bogo, Nate Torrence as Clawhauser, and Shakira as Gazelle. Disney Legends Josh Gad and Anika Noni Rose also appear in memorable cameo roles.
The Walt Disney Company Connects the Sequel to Parks, Streaming and Global Experiences
The imaginative world of Zootopia has grown steadily since the first film due to the first film becoming a fan favorite because of which Disney+ released six shorts under Zootopia+ in 2022, while Shanghai Disney Resort opened the world’s first Zootopia-themed land in 2023.
This synergy continues in Zootopia 2, which incorporates Easter eggs and design inspirations pulled directly from the Shanghai park. The resort has already evolved to reflect the new film through updated decor, immersive entertainment and limited-time offerings. Ke Huy Quan noted that long lines and cosplayers dressed as Judy Hopps during his visit demonstrated the franchise’s deep global affection.
Zootopia’s Ever-Growing World Highlights Endless Stories for Disney Animation
The filmmakers emphasized that Zootopia’s universe still has vast unexplored potential. New environments like Marsh Market, home to semi-aquatic animals and rumored reptile hideouts, offer fresh storytelling opportunities.
Ginnifer Goodwin admitted she hadn’t realized how many species were still untouched in the original film, noting that including reptiles, birds and insects now feels like an organic evolution. Ke Huy Quan highlighted that Zootopia thrives on diversity, community and inclusion, which makes the world endlessly expandable.
Zootopia 2, now anchoring the holiday season, sets the stage for a powerful finale to 2025 for Disney, arriving just ahead of Avatar: Fire & Ash. With its blend of emotional storytelling, world-class animation and global synergy across parks and platforms, the sequel reinforces why the world of animals created by Walt Disney Animation Studios continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
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