The world just watched animation history being rewritten: Zootopia 2 has roared to a $556 million global opening, making it the biggest opening ever for an animated film – and the fourth largest global debut of all time, period.
The film is directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard. Bush, who co-wrote the original 2016 Zootopia and co-directed the Oscar-winning hit Encanto, now steps up as writer-director. Producer Yvett Merino — also behind Encanto and other Disney classics — brings seasoned leadership to the project.
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On the voice side, the original stars return: Ginnifer Goodwin reprises Judy Hopps and Jason Bateman returns as Nick Wilde, joined by fresh additions like Ke Huy Quan as Gary De’Snake — a charismatic snake with a vital role. The cast also includes familiar voices such as Shakira, Idris Elba, and new talents like Quinta Brunson and Fortune Feimster, adding fresh energy and broader appeal. The film not only unites animation fans globally but also Bollywood fans right at home. At the heart of this cultural cross-pollination is Shraddha Kapoor, who lends her voice to Judy Hopps in the Hindi-dubbed version. Her energy, charm and popularity have added a fresh, deeply relatable dimension for Indian/Retail audiences.
In North America alone, it earned roughly $96.8 Million over it’s opening weekend and about $156 million over the full five day Thanksgiving stretch. Internationally, the biggest market has been China, where it reportedly pulled in a staggering $272 million, making Zootopia 2 the highest grossing Hollywood Animated Film ever in China.
WHERE IT STANDS IN HISTORY:
#1 opening ever for an animated film worldwide.
#4 overall global opening among all films — standing just behind giants such as Avengers: Endgame, Avengers: Infinity War and Spider-Man: No Way Home.
Zootopia 2 doesn’t just bank on nostalgia – it builds a spectacular, fresh world: returning characters like bunny-cop Judy Hopps and sly fox Nick Wilde come back with wilder stakes, sharp social satire, stunning animation and a global slice of life appeal. The holiday timing helped too with families flocking to theaters during Thanksgiving and China’s peak cinema season.
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Critics and fans are calling it a near-perfect blend of humor, heart and visual brilliance. The animation quality, voice cast and storytelling – all gelling – are repeatedly praised.
With this kind of opening, Zootopia 2 isn’t just a win – it’s a statement. It proves animated films can deliver box office bombs similar to big live-action tentpoles. It shows Hollywood still has the power to unite global audiences. And it proves that smart animation + universal themes = Worldwide Gold.
If you haven’t watched Zootopia 2 yet -considering this your warning shot: missing it now means missing maybe the Biggest Animated Movie Event of 2025.
