Disney’s “Zootopia 2” has set a new box office record in China and sparked an IP consumption boom.
Disney’s animated blockbuster “Zootopia 2” has raced past the 3-billion-yuan mark in China, the film’s No. 1 market worldwide and turbocharging demand for the film related consumer goods.
According to the latest data from online ticketing platform Maoyan, the movie has grossed 3.02 billion yuan in the Chinese mainland market as of Dec. 7th, just 12 days after its Nov. 26th premiere.
Zhang Jinfeng, deputy editor-in-chief of China Film News, noted that this achievement underscores the vast market base, substantial consumer demand, and immense consumption potential of China’s film industry. It also reflects China’s open and inclusive approach toward globally advanced cinematic accomplishments, highlighting that the Chinese film market serves as a crucial engine for the growth of the global film industry.
Analysts noted that the success of “Zootopia 2” exceeded expectations. The Chinese market made a significant contribution to the animated sequel’s record-breaking performance. It highlights the vast market base, strong consumer demand, and huge potential of the Chinese film industry. The enthusiastic reception of quality films reflects the sector’s resilience and China’s open, inclusive attitude toward global cinematic achievements, underscoring the Chinese market as a key engine of the film industry.
Ip‑Linked Goods Go Viral
Meanwhile, related merchandise has also gained immense popularity. According to Walt Disney Company, since December 2023, the IP “Zootopia” licensing business in Greater China has tripled in growth. By the end of 2025, over 2,000 licensed products would be launched in the region.
Alongside official limited-edition Disney merchandise, collaborations with more than 70 well-known brands have already produced a wide range of co-branded consumer products.
One major e‑commerce platform recorded more than a 1,000 percent month‑on‑month jump in searches for Zootopia-related products after “Zootopia 2″s release, while sales in the toy and collectibles sector rose by over 600 percent in the same period, according to ce.cn.
Orders Scheduled Through Next April
Merchants and wholesalers in Yiwu, China’s small commodities hub, also reported brisk activity. “Sales have been incredible. We’ve run out of stock in our warehouse — items are shipped straight to customers as soon as they arrive. Orders are already scheduled through April,” said Yiwu trader Ma Dongmei.
Common plush toys with factory between 15 yuan and 40 yuan are often resold at substantially higher prices downstream.
President of Yiwu’s cultural products industry association Huang Changchao said that attachment to IP and emotional value are reshaping purchase habits — a low‑priced product can gain 20-30 percent more margin after IP licensing. He added that IP‑enhanced cultural products have contributed more than 100 million yuan in additional revenue for some firms.
Written by Sha Liu, additional reporting by Global Times and Ecns.cn.
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