“Zootopia 2” unleashed a box office stampede as Disney’s animated sequel raced to $556 million in its global debut.
Those ticket sales rank as the fourth-highest global debut of all time after “Avengers: Endgame,” “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” putting the family-friendly adventure in elite company at the box office. After all, “Endgame” and “Infinity War” eventually surpassed $2 billion globally while “No Way Home” got incredibly close with $1.9 billion. “Zootopia 2,” which earned a staggering $400 million internationally and $156 million domestically, set several other opening weekend records, including the largest global and international animated launch in history as well as the biggest worldwide start of any 2025 release.
“Zootopia 2” was especially massive in China, earning $272 million since Wednesday to stand as the biggest non-local animated opening ever, second-biggest non-local debut after “Avengers: Endgame” and sixth-largest start of all time, including local titles. After just five days of release, the sequel already surpassed the lifetime grosses of “Zootopia” ($236 million) in China. The first film was beloved in China, but the property has exploded in popularity ever since a Zootopia Land opened at the Shanghai Disneyland theme park. Following China, the top territories were France ($14.6 million), Korea ($13.7 million), Mexico ($10.4 million) and Germany ($8.8 million).
Directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, “Zootopia 2” follows a rabbit police officer (Ginnifer Goodwin) and con artist fox (Jason Bateman) as they reunite to pursue a mysterious new reptilian resident (Ke Huy Quan). With excellent reviews and positive word-of-mouth, “Zootopia 2” will remain a box office force through the rest of the year.
Though “Zootopia 2” towered above the competition, “Wicked: For Good” scored again in its second weekend of release with $29 million overseas and $92 million worldwide. So far, Universal’s musical extravaganza, based on the second half of the hit Broadway show, has earned $393.3 million globally, including $122 million internationally and $270 million domestically. Like the first half, the second installment has been a much bigger draw with North American audiences.
With the joint success of “Zootopia 2” and “Wicked: For Good,” Imax delivered its biggest Thanksgiving in the company’s history with $40.8 million in global ticket sales over five days. That’s 70% higher than last year’s holiday frame, which previously held the Imax record with help from “Wicked,” “Moana 2” and “Gladiator II.” Imax, which boasts special projectors that offer a bigger picture and better sound, has been a powerhouse since the pandemic as moviegoers opt for enhanced viewing experiences as an incentive to leave the home. With $32 million globally, “Zootopia 2” became Imax’s biggest Thanksgiving release, as well as the company’s largest debut for a November release and best start for an animated title. Those ticket sales include $7.6 million in North America and $24.5 million overseas, a majority of which ($20.5 million to be exact) came from the Chinese box office. Meanwhile, “Wicked: For Good” added $7.2 million from Imax in its second outing, bringing its tally to $31.3 million worldwide.
“’Zootopia 2’ and ‘Wicked: For Good’ delivered a phenomenal one-two punch for the Thanksgiving holiday — hitting the sweet spot for family audiences and sending our global box office soaring well past expectations,” said Imax CEO Rich Gelfond. “Disney and Universal are to be commended on an excellent weekend for moviegoing around the world — a great indicator that fans of all ages are seeking distinctive cinematic entertainment this holiday season.”
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From Variety US