'Zootopia 2' breaks records in China: highest-grossing opening day for an American animated film

The animated sequel, Zootopia 2is arriving in theaters in multiple markets around the world this week.

It is its premiere in China that is attracting the attention of critics and audiences alike, as Zootopia 2 ha broke the record on its first day of screening in cinemas of the Asian market with the highest grossing at the box office in a single dayfor an American animated filmthroughout the history of the Chinese market.

The sequel grossed $34 million on Wednesday, November 26.

This is also the best opening day for a studio movie, since May 2021and the 10th best opening day for Hollywood in all of history (via Deadline).

To sustain the rhythm, Zootopia 2 would become the biggest studio film in China in 2025, in its opening weekend alone.

It is projected to have an international box office opening in the range of $135-$145 million.

The animated sequel will hit most international markets over the weekend, including premiering in Mexico on Thursday, November 27. Japan will release it in December.

In Zootopia 2Detectives Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde investigate a mysterious reptile, Gary De'Snake, who comes to town and causes chaos. To solve the case, they must go undercover to new parts of the city and their growing collaboration will be tested like never before. The plot takes place in Zootopia, a city where reptiles have been banned for decades, creating tensions and mistrust.

Jared Bush y Byron Howardreturn as scriptwriters and directors of the new installment.

In addition to writing and directing the first 2016 film, Bush and Howard co-directed another Disney animated hit, Charm. Both won the Oscar for best animated film. Bush and Howard received the award for being the producers of Charm, while Howard also received it for being a producer of Zootopia.

Ginnifer Goodwin y Jason Bateman lend their voices to Judy and Nick, respectively, with Oscar winner, Ke Huy Quan (Everything Everywhere All at Once) lending his voice to the reptile Gary De'Snake, and the superstar Shakira joining as Gazelle.

Other members of the voice cast include Idris Elba, Andy Samberg, Quinta Brunson, David Strathairn, Bonnie Hunty Danny Trejo.

Zootopia 2now in theaters.

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