The Walt Disney Company hosted a spectacular global celebration on Tuesday at the world's first and only "Zootopia"-themed land at Shanghai Disney Resort ahead of the highly anticipated theatrical release of "Zootopia 2" on Nov. 26.

"Zootopia 2" crew and Chinese and English voice cast pose for photos at the film's red carpet premiere in Shanghai, Nov. 18, 2025. [Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Company]

The celebration kicked off with a star-studded red-carpet event, featuring original voice cast member Ginnifer Goodwin and Academy Award winner Ke Huy Quan, who joins the voice cast for "Zootopia 2." Leading the Chinese voice cast were Ji Guanlin and Zhang Zhen from the first film, along with Da Peng, Kris Phillips, Jin Chen and Wang Anyu. Adding to the excitement, the film's writer and director Jared Bush, producer Yvett Merino, Disney CEO Bob Iger and a host of international celebrities were also in attendance.

"We are beyond excited to invite everyone back to the expansive animal metropolis of 'Zootopia' to join Judy, Nick and a whole new cast of characters as they embark on their next thrilling adventure. The growing partnership of this dynamic duo is tested like never before," said Jared Bush, also chief creative officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios. "To share the new chapter with our amazing fans inside an immersive land inspired by our original story is truly an experience of a lifetime."

A packed audience at the "Zootopia 2" premiere at the Walt Disney Grand Theatre in Shanghai, Nov. 18, 2025. [Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Company]

He added, "From the earliest days of production, we worked 'paw in paw' with our partners at Walt Disney Imagineering and Shanghai Disney Resort to ensure that the magic of the sequel and the magic of this land grew side by side. There's obviously an even more special kind of magic at work here when a beloved film inspires a place and that place in turn inspires the next adventure on the screen."

"Zootopia 2" brings back rookie cops Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde for their biggest case yet — one that takes them into unexpected new parts of the animal metropolis, including the canal-laced Marsh Market district. The fast-paced film is a breathtaking, hilarious rollercoaster adventure of emotion and action that welcomes back fan-favorite classic characters, introduces lovable newcomers, brand-new landscapes and surprises, and features countless Easter eggs for fans to discover.

Fans pose for photos at the Walt Disney Grand Theatre in Shanghai Disney Resort in Shanghai, Nov. 18, 2025. [Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Company]

"'Zootopia' has long held a special place in the hearts of our fans and audiences, particularly here in China, ever since this original animated feature captivated viewers nearly a decade ago," said Zhang Ming, senior vice president and managing director of The Walt Disney Company (China) Limited. "Today, we are immensely proud to celebrate this enduring bond right here at the world's first and only 'Zootopia'-themed land. I can't wait for Chinese audiences to watch 'Zootopia 2,' which is an entertaining, exhilarating and uplifting cinematic experience that will bring joy, foster connections and inspire audiences of all ages."

There has been considerable buzz around "Zootopia 2" in China throughout this year, with Disney launching marketing events with various partners, including fascinating exhibitions and promotional shorts. More than 4 million users on China's two biggest ticketing platforms, Maoyan and Taopiaopiao, have bookmarked the film to watch. By the end of 2025, Disney will also launch over 2,000 "Zootopia"-themed licensed product variants on the Chinese mainland.

Actors Ke Huy Quan and Ginnifer Goodwin perform with Gary De'Snake in the "Zootopia"-themed land at Shanghai Disneyland in Shanghai, Nov. 18, 2025. [Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Company]

Guests to the celebration event enjoyed an unforgettable day of Disney magic, including a movie screening, red carpet, decorations, after-party, Gazelle's new hit "Zoo" show and nighttime castle projections, as well as the debut of Judy and Nick's new outfits, a live show featuring new character Gary De'Snake, a Judy Hopps-inspired floral display, limited-edition tickets, ice sculptures, merchandise, food and more — all honoring the timeless charm and universal appeal of the Academy Award-winning original story while ushering in an exciting new chapter with the animated sequel.

"We can't wait to introduce a collection of experiences inspired by the upcoming film that will let us dive even deeper into this unforgettable world," said Andrew Bolstein, president and general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort.

A "Zootopia"-themed projection illuminates the Enchanted Storybook Castle at Shanghai Disneyland in Shanghai, Nov. 18, 2025. [Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Company]

Shanghai Disney Resort has transformed the land into a living extension of the new sequel. Many of these new experiences celebrating "Zootopia 2" will continue into 2026, Bolstein noted.

The original film in 2016 earned more than $1 billion worldwide, including 1.53 billion yuan ($236 million) in China. It went on to win the Academy Award for best animated feature in 2017 and prompted Disney to open a themed land in Shanghai in 2023.

A fireworks show above the "Zootopia"-themed land at Shanghai Disneyland in Shanghai, Nov. 18, 2025. [Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Company]