Disney’s animated sequel, Zootopia 2, has regained the top position at the domestic box office during its third weekend, earning $26.3 million and officially surpassing $1 billion in worldwide ticket sales, according to studio estimates released on December 14, 2025. This marks a significant achievement for the film, which revisits the vibrant animal metropolis first introduced in 2016, and makes it the second release of 2025 to reach the billion-dollar milestone, following Disney’s own Lilo & Stitch remake, which has grossed $1.04 billion.
A Global Phenomenon Driving Record-Breaking Success
The success of Zootopia 2 has been largely fueled by its exceptional performance in China, where it has grossed an impressive $502.4 million to date. This figure positions the film as one of the biggest Hollywood hits in China in recent years, showcasing the franchise’s enduring international appeal nearly a decade after the original film’s release. Overall, the animated adventure has accumulated $1.14 billion globally, firmly establishing it as one of the year’s top performers.
A spokesperson for Disney commented, “Zootopia 2 has exceeded every expectation. Its universal themes and world-class storytelling have struck a chord with families everywhere.” This widespread acclaim underscores the film’s ability to resonate with diverse audiences across the globe.
A Calm Before the Upcoming Blockbuster Storm
The weekend also served as a brief respite ahead of the anticipated release of James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash, which is set to hit theaters next weekend. Without any major new releases this frame, existing titles competed for audience attention. Universal’s Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 secured second place with $19.5 million, despite experiencing a significant 70% drop from its debut weekend. Nevertheless, with a domestic total of $95.5 million against a budget of $36 million, the Blumhouse horror sequel remains a solid financial success for the studio.
In third place, Wicked: For Good continued its steady performance, earning $8.6 million after receiving positive audience feedback.
Meanwhile, the weekend saw the release of James L. Brooks’ Ella McCay, marking his first directorial effort in 15 years. The political dramedy, featuring Emma Mackey as a young governor, struggled to attract audiences, earning just $2.1 million from 2,500 theaters. Poor reviews, reflected in a 22% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and low turnout contributed to its disappointing debut, making the $35 million production one of 2025’s weakest wide releases despite a strong supporting cast that includes Jamie Lee Curtis, Ayo Edebiri, and Woody Harrelson.
As the year progresses, industry analysts are optimistic about the box office outlook. According to Comscore, 2025’s box office figures align with last year’s totals, although they remain below pre-pandemic averages. The final weeks of the year are typically lucrative for theaters, with major releases like Avatar: Fire and Ash, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, Marty Supreme, Anaconda, and Song Sung Blue on the horizon.
As Zootopia 2 continues to lead the box office, the upcoming weeks could offer a much-needed surge for Hollywood, setting the stage for a lively holiday season. For further updates on box office trends and entertainment industry insights, follow InvestRecords.com, your trusted source for movie and media news.
