Nearly a decade after the original film charmed audiences worldwide, Disney's Zootopia 2 has returned with a record-breaking roar that's reshaping the Thanksgiving box office landscape and reminding everyone why animated storytelling matters. The long-awaited sequel opened on November 26, 2025, and immediately dominated theaters with a staggering $156 million domestic debut and a jaw-dropping $556 million globally. These numbers aren't just impressive—they represent one of the most successful animated launches in recent history and signal that family audiences are hungry for stories with substance.
What Makes This Sequel Work
Zootopia 2 reunites rookie cops Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) as they investigate a new mystery involving Gary De'Snake, a pit viper played by Oscar-winner Ke Huy Quan, who turns the animal metropolis upside down. Directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard, both veterans from the first film, have crafted a sequel that critics describe as "gorgeously animated, absurdly fun, and hilarious" while maintaining the thoughtful themes that made the original resonate. The Hollywood Reporter praised the film's "dazzling visuals, sophisticated humor and doses of genuine emotion," noting that it features "one hysterical gag after another".
What sets this sequel apart is its refusal to play it safe thematically. IndieWire's Kate Erbland emphasized that the film "has the kind of heart that has too long seemed to be missing from other Disney animated offerings," highlighting the genuine care behind Nick and Judy's evolving partnership. The Mary Sue's Rachel Leishman noted that "like any good Disney movie, the themes presented in Zootopia 2 are significantly deeper than the surface level concept". This depth, combined with the frantically paced action and eccentric humor, creates an experience that satisfies both longtime fans and newcomers.
Box Office Dominance and Global Appeal
The numbers tell an extraordinary story. Zootopia 2 achieved the largest opening day for a U.S. animated film ever in China, with a projected RMB 240.2 million ($34 million) launch and lifetime forecasts reaching RMB 3.2 billion ($450 million). The film also broke records in France, Germany, and Italy for animated studio releases in 2025. Forbes reported that the sequel's "impressive launch" during the extended Thanksgiving weekend positions it "to potentially dominate the year-end box office rankings for 2025".
This success wasn't guaranteed. Many long-delayed sequels stumble under the weight of expectations, but Zootopia 2 has managed to capture lightning in a bottle twice. Common Sense Media's Sandie Angulo Chen observed that "what could have been a phoned-in, cynical cash grab instead becomes a heartfelt action comedy crafted with care". The film currently holds a 7.8/10 rating on IMDb and has received overwhelmingly positive critical reception.
Why It Matters for American Audiences
For U.S. families seeking quality entertainment, Zootopia 2 delivers on multiple levels. The expanded cast includes Quinta Brunson as Dr. Fuzzby, an animal therapist who helps the partners navigate their relationship, and Fortune Feimster as conspiracy-loving beaver Nibbles Maplestick. These additions bring fresh comedic energy while the core buddy-cop dynamic between Judy and Nick remains the emotional anchor. As the Associated Press noted, their partnership "remains a compelling one, and the primary reason that Zootopia 2 will be plenty satisfying to families".
The film's 108-minute runtime strikes the right balance for family viewing, and its PG rating ensures accessibility for younger audiences. With the holiday season ahead and children out of school, Zootopia 2 is positioned to become a cultural touchstone for a new generation while rewarding those who've waited nearly ten years for the sequel. Disney has proven once again that when animation is done with genuine craft and emotional intelligence, audiences will respond—and the box office receipts speak volumes.
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