Disney released the second installment of its hit animated franchise on Tuesday and the film quickly earned $10.2 million from preview screenings. Those numbers represent the second‑largest preview start ever for Walt Disney Animation Studios. Only the sequel to Moana beat this record with $13.8 million.
The strong start shows that families are eager to see the new adventure. The studio hopes the movie will bring in between $125 million and $150 million over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Why Zootopia 2 Is a Thanksgiving Must‑See
Several factors help explain the buzz around the Zootopia 2 box office preview. First, critics have given the film solid reviews, which encourage word of mouth. Second, there has been a shortage of big family‑friendly animated releases since the Bad Guys 2 premiered in August. Parents therefore view Zootopia 2 as a safe choice for a holiday outing.
Third, the story returns to the vibrant world of anthropomorphic animals. The plot follows a rabbit police officer and a clever fox as they team up again to investigate a mysterious reptile newcomer. This familiar buddy‑cop dynamic appeals to both kids and adults.
Comparisons to Past Holiday Hits
When we compare the preview earnings to previous Thanksgiving releases, Zootopia 2 ranks near the top. Moana 2 earned $139 million over the traditional weekend and $225 million over five days. Frozen II made $125 million in the same five‑day span, while Hunger Games: Catching Fire collected $109 million.
Although Zootopia 2 will not break the Moana 2 record, it still places the film among the best debuts for a holiday release.
International Outlook
Analysts project that Zootopia 2 will bring in $135 million to $145 million from overseas markets during its opening weekend. The global appeal of the franchise, combined with strong marketing, supports this optimistic forecast.
International audiences have responded well to the original Zootopia, which earned $1.02 billion worldwide. That track record gives Disney confidence that the sequel can repeat the success on a larger scale.
What This Means for Disney Animation
The $10.2 million preview figure marks the biggest debut for an animated film since Moana 2 opened last November. It also signals that Disney animation continues to dominate the family market during key holiday periods.
Director Jared Bush and co‑director Byron Howard have crafted a sequel that balances humor, heart, and social commentary. Critics note that the film offers a fresh take on the themes that made the original a cultural touchstone.
Overall, the Zootopia 2 box office preview suggests a strong opening, solid international prospects, and a bright future for Disney’s animated slate.
Source: Variety
