Disney's 'Zootopia 2' dominates Thanksgiving weekend at North American box office

Disneys heartwarming animated sequel "Zootopia 2" led the North American box office over the Thanksgiving holiday, earning an estimated $156 million across the five-day period, according to industry reports on Sunday.

The follow-up to the 2016 Oscar-winning hit brings back the buddy cop adventures of talking animals confronting societal stereotypes. Returning cast members include Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, and Idris Elba.

David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research commented, "This is an exceptional debut for an animated sequel." He noted that Disney and Pixar often see sequels outperforming the original films, with second installments averaging 71% higher opening earnings. Gross also highlighted the films strong reception in China.

Worldwide, "Zootopia 2" amassed a staggering $556 million, marking the largest global launch ever for an animated feature, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Other Top Box Office Releases

In second place with $93 million was "Wicked: For Good", Universals continuation of the musical saga about Ozs most famous witchesElphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande). The film is adapted from the long-running Broadway musical, itself based on Gregory Maguires 1995 novel.

Lionsgates "Now You See Me: Now You Dont" claimed third place in the US and Canadian box office, earning $10 million. The third installment of the heist franchise reunites Jesse Eisenberg, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, and Woody Harrelson as illusionists taking down dangerous criminals.

The sci-fi horror entry "Predator: Badlands" took fourth place with $6.6 million, while Paramounts "The Running Man", a new adaptation of Stephen Kings dystopian novel featuring Glen Powell, rounded out the top five with $5.5 million.

Author: Sophia Brooks