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The remarkable success of Zootopia 2 in China has significantly boosted demand for related merchandise, with the animated film surpassing USD 3 billion (approximately CNY 21.9 billion) at the Chinese box office.
The most sought-after items are the plush toy of Gary De’Snake and the carrot recorder pen. An official store at Shanghai Disney Resort reported that the Gary De’Snake plush is currently out of stock and may remain unavailable for some time. Customers hoping to purchase the carrot recorder pen are often required to queue from as early as 7 a.m., as new stock sells out within minutes.
Non-official merchandise has also gained immense popularity. A collaboration between Luckin Coffee and Zootopia 2 led to the company’s Guangzhou outlet selling out of all related products, including themed paper cups, with customers eager to snap them up.
Products resulting from a partnership between Chow Tai Fook Jewelry and Zootopia 2 are experiencing high demand, with many items selling out shortly after hitting the shelves, often through preorders, according to staff at a jewelry store. Similarly, Miniso launched over 100 new branded products across ten categories such as toys, beauty, and stationery. Public relations representatives from Miniso said that the most popular items are blind boxes and plush toys, some of which are already out of stock.
With the variety of Zootopia 2-themed products available, fans in China have begun sharing tips online about how to prepare before heading to see the movie in theaters. Suggested activities include grabbing a drink from Luckin Coffee or an ice cream from Dairy Queen, shopping for merchandise at Miniso, and later using AI-generated selfies with characters Nick and Judy at the cinema.
Consumer spending driven by passion for beloved characters is a growing trend among the younger generation. Many fans feel a deep emotional connection to IP characters, and purchasing related products allows them to express their affinity and feel closer to the characters.
Cross-industry collaborations with popular intellectual properties are expanding rapidly, reflecting a rising consumer desire for brand recognition and cultural engagement. Experts suggest that such partnerships help to boost product appeal and stimulate purchasing enthusiasm.
Since its release on November 26, Zootopia 2 has earned over USD 430 million (around CNY 3.05 billion) in China as of early morning today, making it the highest-grossing imported animated film in the country according to ticket sales data. The movie’s popularity has also led to a surge in ticket sales for IMAX and 4D formats, which offer more immersive viewing experiences. Within the first five days, the film set several IMAX box office records for animated movies, grossing approximately CNY 146 million (USD 20.7 million).
Many theaters report that 4D tickets for Zootopia 2 are almost completely sold out, with only a few late-morning shows available at prices nearing CNY 100 (USD 14). Other venues are fully booked until the following weekend, with scalpers increasing prices due to high demand.
Industry analysts attribute the film’s theatrical success to its high production quality, Disney’s effective marketing strategies, and its family-friendly content, which appeals to a broad audience.
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