Zootopia 2 Box Office Prediction: Can Judy & Nick’s New Case Solve the Billion-Dollar Puzzle?

The buzz surrounding Walt Disney Animation Studios' latest sequel, Zootopia 2, is not just loud—it's thunderous.

Following the critical and commercial success of the 2016 original, which clawed its way into the exclusive billion-dollar club, all eyes are on the follow-up.

Based on current industry tracking and verifiable pre-sales reports, a massive worldwide performance is anticipated, possibly positioning the film firmly in the realm of an elite few animated films.

This Zootopia 2 Box Office prediction and analysis piece dives deep into the global market data and comparable animated hits to provide a comprehensive forecast for the film's total theatrical haul.

The question isn't if the movie will be a hit, but how big of a hit, especially considering its strategically timed Thanksgiving 2025 release.

What are the Key Factors Driving Zootopia 2's Box Office Prediction?

Several pieces of verified information point toward a gargantuan opening and a strong final gross for Zootopia 2. The confluence of powerful brand recognition, a prime release slot, and unprecedented international enthusiasm is setting the stage for a historic run.

• Thanksgiving Power Play: The film's release on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, positions it perfectly to dominate the lucrative five-day Thanksgiving holiday frame in North America. 

  
  

  This holiday has historically been a launchpad for Disney's biggest animated hits, with sequels like Moana 2 (2024) setting massive records in this slot. Early domestic projections for the five-day weekend range from $125 million to $160 million.

  
  

• The China Phenomenon: The most telling data comes from China, where the original film was a runaway hit and where the sequel has generated extraordinary pre-release excitement. 

  
  

  Verified reports indicate that the film has achieved the biggest pre-sales of any post-pandemic Hollywood movie in the market. The highly positive audience scores (9.7 on Maoyan, 8.7 on Douban) further cement this, with analysts projecting a full run in the Chinese market alone to potentially reach $340 million, significantly higher than the original's $236 million haul.

  
  

• Critical Acclaim and Franchise Goodwill: The original Zootopia garnered nearly unanimous critical praise (98% on Rotten Tomatoes) and won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature. 

  
  

  The sequel is riding a wave of goodwill and nostalgia. Current reviews for Zootopia 2 are also strong (93% on Rotten Tomatoes), suggesting the quality is high enough to ensure exceptional "legs" (sustained audience interest after the opening weekend).

  
  

How Does Zootopia 2 Compare to Recent Animated Blockbusters?

The path to a billion dollars for an animated sequel is challenging but well-trodden. The performance of recent high-profile sequels provides a solid benchmark for estimating Zootopia 2's final numbers.

Is the Billion-Dollar Club a Certainty for Zootopia 2?

Based on the verifiable data available, the odds of Zootopia 2 joining the billion-dollar club are exceptionally high.

The film's performance in the opening days alone is tracking to be monumental. Combined worldwide opening weekend estimates range from a conservative $550 million to a high-end $700 million+ (over five days). An opening of this magnitude suggests a final total well in excess of the coveted $1 billion mark.

The most optimistic projections, fueled by the staggering enthusiasm in China and a strong expected North American multiplier over the holiday and subsequent weeks, place the final worldwide gross in the $1.3 billion to $1.5 billion range.

This would challenge the highest-grossing animated films of all time. The strength of the international market, which is expected to deliver an opening beyond $200 million (excluding China) along with the massive China haul, is the definitive engine driving this optimistic final Zootopia 2 Box Office Prediction.

The only potential headwinds would be a sudden drop-off in audience reception or unexpectedly stiff competition from other holiday releases like Wicked: For Good and Avatar: Fire and Ash. However, the outstanding early word-of-mouth suggests strong "legs" will carry it far beyond the holiday window.

Some Closing Thoughts

The narrative around Disney's recent animated output has been largely positive, culminating in multiple billion-dollar returns for sequels.

Zootopia 2 appears poised to continue this trend and, in doing so, reaffirm the global commercial power of high-quality, beloved animated franchises.

Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde are not just tracking for a financial success; they are on pace for a box office event that will mark one of the biggest global runs of 2025.

So, what is your Zootopia 2 box office prediction? Let us know in the comments section down below!