‘Zootopia 2’ Becomes Fastest Animated Film to Surpass $1 Billion at Global Box Office

‘Zootopia 2’ achieves a historic milestone in animated cinema by crossing the $1 billion mark worldwide in record time. The Disney sequel outperforms previous entries in the genre, solidifying its position as a dominant force during the holiday season. Directed by Byron Howard and Rich Moore, the film reunites voice stars Ginnifer Goodwin as Judy Hopps and Jason Bateman as Nick Wilde.

The original ‘Zootopia’ released in 2016 earned $1.02 billion globally, becoming one of the highest-grossing animated films at the time. It won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. The sequel expands the universe with new characters voiced by Ke Huy Quan and others. Production involved Walt Disney Animation Studios with a budget exceeding $200 million.

Box office tracking shows ‘Zootopia 2’ reached the billion-dollar threshold faster than any Hollywood animated title. It outpaced records held by films like ‘Inside Out 2’ and ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’. Domestic earnings contribute significantly, bolstered by strong family attendance during winter breaks. International markets, particularly in Asia and Europe, drive additional revenue.

Critics praise the film’s themes of inclusion and environmental awareness. Rotten Tomatoes aggregates a 92% approval rating from over 300 reviews. Audiences award it an A CinemaScore. The story follows Judy and Nick investigating a new case in Zootopia’s expanded districts.

Disney reports repeat viewings account for 40% of ticket sales in key markets. Merchandise sales surge, with plush toys of new characters topping retail charts. The soundtrack, featuring original songs, streams heavily on platforms like Spotify.

‘Zootopia 2’ marks Disney’s fourth film to hit $1 billion in recent years. It joins live-action remakes and other animated successes in the studio’s portfolio. Analysts attribute the performance to effective marketing campaigns targeting multiple demographics.

The achievement highlights the enduring appeal of anthropomorphic storytelling in animation. It sets a new benchmark for sequel performance in the post-pandemic era. Future installments remain under consideration based on ongoing success metrics.

Global totals continue to climb with extended theatrical runs planned. IMAX and premium format screenings contribute premium surcharges. The film’s accessibility in multiple languages aids worldwide penetration.