Disney's Sequel Breaks Records in China, Defying Trend of Declining Foreign Films
The highly anticipated sequel to 2016's Zootopia has shattered box office records in China, becoming the highest-grossing foreign animated film ever in the country. Zootopia 2, also known as Zootropolis 2 in some European countries, grossed approximately $213 million (£213m) in ticket sales within its first week of release, marking a significant achievement for Hollywood films in the Chinese market.
The Disney production has a proven track record in China, with its predecessor, Zootopia, earning $1.5 billion in the country's box office five years ago, making it the highest-grossing animated Hollywood film at that time. However, what is surprising about Zootopia 2's success is that it has outperformed domestic productions, which have dominated the Chinese box office in recent years.
Chinese cinemagoers and critics attribute the film's success to its feel-good energy, which seems to be particularly appealing in a challenging economic and geopolitical environment. On Douban, a popular Chinese review website, one user expressed gratitude for Disney's continued efforts to produce stories like Zootopia 2, saying, "I am grateful that Disney is still willing to present stories like this in such a divided era."
The film's marketing campaigns, particularly the prolonged promotional period for its predecessor, have helped create a strong brand recognition among Chinese audiences. According to Yu Yaqin, an independent film critic based in Beijing, "children were very familiar with the characters" after the original Zootopia film was released in 2016.
While Zootopia 2's success does buck the trend of declining interest in overseas productions in China, it is essential to note that the Chinese government has been pushing a patriotic trend in blockbuster releases, favoring domestically made films over imports. This shift can be seen in the recent success of Ne Zha 2, a Chinese animation that earned a staggering $15.4 billion at the box office.
Yu Yaqin warns, however, that the extraordinary success of Ne Zha 2 should not serve as a barometer for the overall Chinese cinema industry. She added, "Just because Chinese domestic movies are on the rise, that doesn't mean there is no need for Hollywood movies. It just means the competition is more fierce."
The ongoing relationship between China and the US film industry remains complex, with China increasingly imposing restrictions on imported films while promoting domestically made content. Despite this, Zootopia 2's success highlights the potential of import films to perform well in the Chinese market, particularly when marketed effectively and resonating with local audiences.
As Rance Pow, CEO of Artisan Gateway, a film and cinema advisory firm, notes, "Zootopia 2 demonstrates Chinese moviegoers' continuing interest in films that resonate, regardless of origin, and the potential of import films to play an important role in the renewed growth of China's theatrical industry."
The highly anticipated sequel to 2016's Zootopia has shattered box office records in China, becoming the highest-grossing foreign animated film ever in the country. Zootopia 2, also known as Zootropolis 2 in some European countries, grossed approximately $213 million (£213m) in ticket sales within its first week of release, marking a significant achievement for Hollywood films in the Chinese market.
The Disney production has a proven track record in China, with its predecessor, Zootopia, earning $1.5 billion in the country's box office five years ago, making it the highest-grossing animated Hollywood film at that time. However, what is surprising about Zootopia 2's success is that it has outperformed domestic productions, which have dominated the Chinese box office in recent years.
Chinese cinemagoers and critics attribute the film's success to its feel-good energy, which seems to be particularly appealing in a challenging economic and geopolitical environment. On Douban, a popular Chinese review website, one user expressed gratitude for Disney's continued efforts to produce stories like Zootopia 2, saying, "I am grateful that Disney is still willing to present stories like this in such a divided era."
The film's marketing campaigns, particularly the prolonged promotional period for its predecessor, have helped create a strong brand recognition among Chinese audiences. According to Yu Yaqin, an independent film critic based in Beijing, "children were very familiar with the characters" after the original Zootopia film was released in 2016.
While Zootopia 2's success does buck the trend of declining interest in overseas productions in China, it is essential to note that the Chinese government has been pushing a patriotic trend in blockbuster releases, favoring domestically made films over imports. This shift can be seen in the recent success of Ne Zha 2, a Chinese animation that earned a staggering $15.4 billion at the box office.
Yu Yaqin warns, however, that the extraordinary success of Ne Zha 2 should not serve as a barometer for the overall Chinese cinema industry. She added, "Just because Chinese domestic movies are on the rise, that doesn't mean there is no need for Hollywood movies. It just means the competition is more fierce."
The ongoing relationship between China and the US film industry remains complex, with China increasingly imposing restrictions on imported films while promoting domestically made content. Despite this, Zootopia 2's success highlights the potential of import films to perform well in the Chinese market, particularly when marketed effectively and resonating with local audiences.
As Rance Pow, CEO of Artisan Gateway, a film and cinema advisory firm, notes, "Zootopia 2 demonstrates Chinese moviegoers' continuing interest in films that resonate, regardless of origin, and the potential of import films to play an important role in the renewed growth of China's theatrical industry."
, it's actually kinda awesome to see a Hollywood film doing so well in China. I mean, we've been hearing about how Chinese people are just tuning out foreign flicks lately 
, but Zootopia 2 is like a breath of fresh air 
. And yeah, the marketing campaign for this one was super key 
, it really got the kids pumped up for the characters and all that jazz 
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, which is awesome in some ways, but also kinda shifts the balance a bit, you know? It's like, what's the priority here? Are they gonna keep promoting those Chinese flicks or give more love to imports?
, I'm all for it 
. And hey, it just goes to show that there's still room for both Hollywood and homegrown content to shine on the big screen 
!
. I mean, isn't it weird that a bunch of Western animation is winning over all the cool Chinese kids? 
It seems like every time some local movie tries to come out, it bombs, but this one comes along and breaks records... odd.
. I mean, think about it - Ne Zha 2 just happened to come out at the same time as Zootopia 2, and look what happened! China's box office is dominated by domestic films now, but that doesn't mean they're not still interested in Hollywood stuff 
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I'm loving this! Disney is really killing it in China right now. $213 million in one week? That's insane! 
zootopia 2 broke all sorts of records & i think it's a testament to how well disney understands their audience over there. they really know how to make a movie that everyone can enjoy, regardless of age or background 
and let's be real, who doesn't love an animated film with lovable characters? 
I'm not surprised Disney can still magic up a hit film in China. I mean, who wouldn't want to watch a bunch of anthropomorphic animals get along? 
But seriously, it's kinda funny that the Chinese government is trying to push a patriotic trend with their films, like they're secretly trying to create some kind of cinematic national anthem. "Oh, look, our animatronic pandas are fighting for our great nation!" 
. The Chinese market is all about variety, so as long as Hollywood films keep bringing entertaining stories like Zootopia 2, I think we'll see more success in the future 
and the fact dat chinese audiences R already super into zootopia 1 
but seriously what does it mean for the future of china vs us film industry relations? 
. It's awesome that Disney is still willing to make movies like this, it shows they care about their fans in Asia too 
I'm not surprised though, Zootopia was a huge hit back in 2016 and people still love those characters 
. The feel-good energy must be really appealing to the Chinese audience right now 
! Who knew a bunch of cartoon animals could conquer the Chinese box office? I mean, I guess it's no surprise that they tapped into the 'feel-good' vibe – people need something to lift their spirits in this crazy world 
! Maybe Hollywood should take note and get on the feel-good bandwagon too 
.
. It's great to see a movie like Zootopia 2 doing its part to spread some positivity 
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. Seriously though, it's kinda refreshing to see a Hollywood film break records in China without being forced into some sort of patriotic propaganda 
.
. Kids have been primed to love Zootopia since 2016, and it shows in the numbers 
.
. The Chinese government is still trying to push their own brand of patriotism onto the cinematic landscape 
. Still, it's cool to see Disney bringing the goods and making bank 
So I made a diagram to show how Disney's Zootopia 2 is defying the trend 
of declining foreign films in China! 
. The key to its success seems to be its feel-good energy, which is exactly what people need right now