Disney to re-release 'Zootopia' in China ahead of sequel

Disney will re-release its blockbuster animated film "Zootopia" in China in August, ahead of the highly anticipated sequel's global debut in November, the company announced Wednesday.

Posters for the "Zootopia" China re-release and "Zootopia 2." [Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Animation Studios]

"Zootopia" (2016), directed by Byron Howard, Rich Moore and Jared Bush, followed rabbit police officer Judy Hopps as she teamed up with fox Nick Wilde to investigate a conspiracy involving the disappearance of 14 predators in the animal city of Zootopia.

The film won the Academy Award for best animated feature in 2017 and earned more than $1 billion worldwide, including 1.53 billion yuan ($236 million) in China, where it remains the top-grossing foreign animated film. The movie's success led to a Zootopia-themed land at Shanghai Disney Resort that opened in late 2023.

Walt Disney Animation Studios said the Chinese theatrical re-release will include a special trailer for "Zootopia 2" after the credits.