LayarHijau – The highly anticipated animated sequel, Zootopia 2, has officially hit Chinese theaters this November, and it immediately delivered a phenomenal performance at the box office. The film set a new pre-sale record for animated movies, selling over 3.4 billion yuan (approximately USD 476 million), surpassing the previous record held by Ne Zha 2 at 3.09 billion yuan (around USD 433 million). On its opening day, Zootopia 2 earned 2.28 billion yuan (about USD 319 million), making it the highest-grossing single-day import animated release in Chinese history. Ticketing platforms predict that the movie could ultimately reach 24–26 billion yuan (roughly USD 3.36–3.64 billion), far exceeding the first film’s total of 15.38 billion yuan (around USD 2.15 billion).
Despite the box office success, the sequel has drawn some criticism from Chinese audiences regarding its story, which many feel lacks the surprise and freshness of the original. On Douban, the film has a rating of 8.7, slightly lower than the 9.3 earned by the first installment. Viewers noted that the sequel doesn’t deliver the same “wow” factor, particularly in plot complexity and character development.
The film continues to center on the beloved duo Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. The story focuses on their friendship, with subtle hints of romance, while highlighting themes of cooperation and tolerance. Some scenes, however, are perceived as overly simplistic, and certain character decisions feel predictable. For example, Judy quickly trusting the snake Gary, or the sudden shift in Mayor Ma’s character (Winddancer), can seem forced to adult viewers who value consistent motivation and logical character behavior.
Nevertheless, Zootopia 2 remains highly entertaining for audiences of all ages. New characters like the adorable Gary, the energetic raccoon Rabbert, and the heroic Ma Feiyang add freshness to the world of Zootopia. Visually imaginative settings such as the wetland market, extreme cold zones, and desert landscapes continue to impress. Clever humor and references to classic films like Ratatouille, The Silence of the Lambs, and The Shining provide an extra layer of enjoyment for adult viewers.
Beyond entertainment, the film maintains its moral core. Judy embodies idealism and heroism, willing to risk herself for the greater good of the city, while Nick remains pragmatic, prioritizing safety for himself and his friend. Their dynamic underscores the importance of understanding differences, respecting one another, and working together—a theme consistent with the first film.
Overall, Zootopia 2 proves to be a solid commercial sequel, delighting younger audiences with colorful visuals and playful humor, while still conveying meaningful values for adult viewers. Even with some criticism regarding the story, its phenomenal box office performance shows that Chinese audiences remain deeply engaged with the world of Zootopia.
