Zootopia 2 Shatters Avengers: Endgame’s China Box Office Record in Stunning Debut

Disney’s Zootopia 2 has achieved a monumental box office feat in China. The animated sequel has broken a major record held by Avengers: Endgame for over six years. It earned a staggering $104 million in a single day. This marks the best start for a US film in the Chinese market since 2021.

The film’s performance signals a powerful resurgence for Hollywood in the region. According to Deadline, the sequel is now on track to earn an estimated $525 million globally in its opening weekend. This success defies recent trends of underperforming Western releases in China.

Zootopia 2 Outpaces an Avengers Legend

The record broken by Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde is significant. Avengers: Endgame had earned $100 million on its opening day in China back in 2019. Zootopia 2 has now surpassed that historic figure.

In local currency, the film claims the highest single-day gross ever for a Hollywood title in China. Its Saturday earnings saw a massive 160 percent surge from its Friday numbers. This indicates incredibly strong word-of-mouth and audience reception.

A Global Box Office Phenomenon Takes Shape

The sequel’s dominance was not confined to China. It topped the box office charts across Europe on its opening Friday. The only exception was the UK, where Wicked: For Good maintained its lead.

The film has also set a new high mark for 2025. It scored the biggest animation opening day of the year. It now holds the third-highest opening day for Walt Disney Animation Studios, trailing only Frozen 2 and Moana.

Behind the Scenes of a Record-Breaking Sequel

Co-directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard crafted a sequel that pays homage to classic cinema. They revealed to Variety that the film includes nods to horror classics. Films like The Shining and The Silence of the Lambs inspired certain sequences.

Bush explained the thought process behind the film’s villainous setting. He described a grand manor with a giant maze. The directors also praised composer Michael Giacchino for his work on the film’s iconic and recognizable score.

The film premiered in Los Angeles on November 13. It was released widely in the US on November 26. The returning voice cast includes Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman. The story follows the duo as they go undercover to find a mysterious new resident named Gary De’Snake.

The record-breaking performance of Zootopia 2 proves the enduring appeal of its characters and world. Its success in China, a critical market, suggests a massive global total is now within reach. This Zootopia 2 box office triumph is a major win for Disney animation.

Dropping this nugget your way

What is the box office projection for Zootopia 2?

Industry reports from Deadline project a massive global opening. The film is expected to earn around $525 million in its first weekend worldwide.

How did Zootopia 2 beat Avengers: Endgame?

It surpassed the single-day box office record for a Hollywood film in China. Zootopia 2 earned $104 million, beating Endgame’s previous record of $100 million set in 2019.

When was Zootopia 2 released?

The film had its premiere on November 13, 2025. Its wide release in the United States followed on November 26, 2025.

Who are the main voices in the sequel?

Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman return as Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. The cast also includes Shakira, Idris Elba, and Jenny Slate.

Why was the film’s China performance so significant?

It represents the strongest opening for an American film there since 2021. This breaks a trend of Hollywood movies struggling in the important Chinese market.