Zootopia 2 is breaking out, like any Disney sequel, over the Thanksgiving holidays, so it’s good news for the box office in need of revival (despite being 33% down compared to last year). Anyway, the animated buddy cop comedy has earned an A from CinemaScore and positive word of mouth for being a worthwhile Disney sequel, and it has grossed $156 million in its Wed-Sun debut. That makes it the second-largest Thanksgiving weekend gross, behind Moana 2‘s $225 million from last year. Just continue the trend of restoring Pixar back to the once prestigious title it held, and maybe some more original Disney/Pixar toons might make the cut next time (here’s to wishful thinking for Hoppers!).
The other wondrous aspect that is hammering home this is a “breakout sequel” is, well, China. Yes, audiences in China loved Zootopia (much like they adored Avengers: Endgame back in 2019, thanks to a monstrous $620 million), so its sequel is clearly breaking all the records with a sky-high $272 million from the international territory, which is already past the lifetime domestic total of its predecessor in its opening weekend. It surely can fly past Fate of the Furious’s $391 million as the second-biggest Hollywood import, but that’s a discussion for another day.
In total, with all the other international territories, Zootopia 2 earned $556.4 million over its Weds-Sun frame. That’s the fourth-largest global opening of all time, so kudos to another breakout sequel on hand. We can safely presume it will top $1 billion, and Lilo and Stitch from earlier this year, and probably end up around $1.3 to $1.5 billion when all the numbers wrap up. Pessimistically speaking, it could launch higher over the holiday legs season, but Avatar: Fire and Ash might have something to say about its position of capturing the most before the year ends. The competition is worthwhile for speaking to different demographics, so all is good.
In other news, Wicked: For Good just missed $400 million globally in its second weekend, despite a boost with the holidays. It’s a better hold than the Twilight sequels, but it frontloaded for a shorter duration with its legs. At $270 million domestically, it probably will end up closer to $385-405 million domestically and maybe $700 million worldwide. Still good news for musicals, as Michael is still on the way.
Now You See Me: Now You Don’t has grossed $49.7 million domestically and $187 million worldwide. Not quite the glorious layout, as it’s in the shadow of its predecessor, but it should still break even with a closer run to $230 million worldwide. If and when it passes $58 million in domestic box office, it will be Lionsgate’s third-biggest domestic earner of the decade.
Predator: Badlands will pass $175 million worldwide in a few hours, so at least it has surpassed the worldwide total of Alien Vs. Predator in 2004. The Running Man will pass $35 million domestically on Monday. Newcomers Eternity and Hamnet earned $3.169 million and $880k, respectively. And Rental Family earned $2.1 million in its second weekend domestically.
Next weekend sees the release of Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, Merrily We Roll Along, 100 Nights of Hero, and Fackham Hall.
