Disney’s animated sequel, Zootopia 2, has reclaimed the No. 1 position at the domestic box office during its third weekend, earning $26.3 million. This impressive performance brings its global earnings to over $1 billion, marking a significant milestone for the film, according to studio estimates released on Sunday. The sequel continues to captivate audiences worldwide, becoming the second film of 2025 to reach this financial landmark, following the success of Disney’s Lilo & Stitch remake, which grossed $1.04 billion.
A Global Phenomenon
The success of Zootopia 2 can be attributed largely to its remarkable performance in China, where it has grossed an astounding $502.4 million. This achievement makes it the biggest Hollywood release in China in several years, underscoring the franchise’s enduring international appeal nearly a decade after the original film’s debut. Overall, the animated feature has amassed $1.14 billion globally, solidifying its status as one of the top-performing films of the year. A Disney spokesperson remarked, “Zootopia 2 has exceeded every expectation. Its universal themes and world-class storytelling have struck a chord with families everywhere.”
Weekend Box Office Overview
As the film landscape prepares for the release of James Cameron‘s Avatar: Fire and Ash next weekend, this period served as a brief lull in a competitive market. Without any major new studio releases, existing films battled for audience attention. Universal’s Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 secured second place with $19.5 million, despite experiencing a steep 70% drop from its debut weekend. Nevertheless, with a total of $95.5 million in domestic earnings against a budget of $36 million, the horror sequel remains a solid hit.
Meanwhile, Wicked: For Good maintained its position at No. 3, earning $8.6 million as it continues its steady run following positive audience feedback. In contrast, the weekend’s new release, Ella McCay, directed by James L. Brooks in his first directorial effort in 15 years, struggled to gain traction. The political dramedy, featuring Emma Mackey as a young governor, garnered just $2.1 million from 2,500 theaters. Poor reviews, reflected in a 22% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and low audience turnout hindered its performance, making it one of 2025’s weakest wide releases despite a strong supporting cast, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Ayo Edebiri, and Woody Harrelson.
Looking ahead, the box office outlook for 2025, according to Comscore, remains on track with last year’s totals, though it still lags behind pre-pandemic averages. Industry analysts are optimistic about the forthcoming year-end holiday season, traditionally a lucrative time for theaters. Upcoming major releases include Avatar: Fire and Ash, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, Marty Supreme, Anaconda, and Song Sung Blue.
As Zootopia 2 continues to lead the box office, the final weeks of 2025 could provide Hollywood with the surge it has been anticipating. For updates on global box office performance, film releases, and entertainment industry news, stay tuned to InvestRecords.com, your trusted source for movie and media insights.
