The Walt Disney Company’s animated feature, Zootopia 2, has cemented its status as a global box-office champion, achieving both domestic and international milestones just weeks into its theatrical run, according to recent figures. The sequel not only claimed the top spot for Hollywood animated films in Hong Kong this year but also hit the exclusive billion-dollar club worldwide at record speed, demonstrating the enduring appeal of its animal-centric narrative.
In the highly competitive Hong Kong market, the film has enjoyed exceptional success, surpassing the HK$50 million mark. This performance firmly establishes Zootopia 2 as the highest-grossing Hollywood animated title released locally in 2024. A key element driving the local enthusiasm was the return of the popular voiceover duo, singer Joey Yung and actor Dayo Wong, who reprised their roles as protagonists Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde for the Cantonese version.
Box Office Blitz: A Rapid Ascent to Elite Status
Globally, the animated blockbuster has shattered expectations, reaching the coveted $1 billion (approximately HK$7.8 billion) benchmark in just 17 days. This swift trajectory set a new benchmark for a PG-rated movie, illustrating its broad appeal across family audiences.
As of the latest reporting date (June 18), the film’s worldwide gross had surged further, reaching a massive $1.147 billion (approximately HK$9 billion). This remarkable haul places Zootopia 2 firmly among the top three highest-grossing films globally for 2024 thus far, surpassing other major releases like the live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch and the video-game adaptation Minecraft: The Movie.
The sequel’s financial success underscores Hollywood’s ability to leverage established intellectual properties (IPs) for significant returns, particularly when delivering high-quality visual effects and compelling storytelling. Analysts suggest that the film is benefitting from pent-up demand for family entertainment following intermittent disruptions to theatrical releases globally.
The Race for the Top Spot
While the film’s current performance is stellar, attention now turns to whether Zootopia 2 can claim the title of the year’s highest-grossing movie overall. Industry watchers are closely tracking its performance against the current record holder, which is believed to be the mainland Chinese animated epic Ne Zha (2019), which reportedly earned a historic $1.9 billion (approximately HK$14.8 billion).
The continued success of Zootopia 2 hinges on sustained international interest, particularly in major territories where the film is still generating strong returns. Its rapid ascent to a billion dollars suggests high audience engagement and positive word-of-mouth, vital ingredients for long-term box office stamina.
The implications of this performance extend beyond mere ticket sales; it reaffirms the strength of Disney’s animation division and its reliance on well-loved characters. This animated hit provides a significant boost to the recovering cinema industry, offering a model for attracting large, multi-generational audiences back to theaters worldwide.
