Cultural understanding helps movie's success

Disney's Zootopia 2 has been a huge success in the Chinese mainland, raking in more than 3.8 billion yuan ($539.69 million) at the box office as of Sunday afternoon, making it the second-highest-grossing Hollywood film of all time in the mainland market — only beaten to the top spot by Avengers: Endgame. The movie's cumulative box office receipts in the Chinese mainland nearly double those for North America and account for nearly half its worldwide total, underscoring China's role as a major player in the global cinema landscape. With a vast and engaged audience base, the potential for growth is immense.

Zootopia 2's appeal to Chinese audiences was enhanced by Disney's engagement initiatives. Shanghai Disneyland's Zootopia-themed area, inspired by the first film, celebrated its second anniversary on Saturday. It is the world's only Zootopia-themed destination.

Walt Disney Animation Studio also deliberately included Chinese cultural elements, such as characters representing the Chinese zodiac signs, in the sequel. One of the film's pivotal new characters is Gary De'Snake. Jared Bush, Disney Animation's chief creative officer, emphasized the character was introduced specifically to appeal to the Chinese audience: "We knew this was the Year of the Snake and we wanted the movie to come out the same year for sure." The story of protagonist Judy Hopps leaving her small town and finding success in the big city also resonates deeply with Chinese audiences at a time of rapid urbanization.

Moreover, the adaptation of the film's script to accommodate Chinese cultural nuances and humor ensured that the story and its jokes got through to Mandarin-speaking audiences, which highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and understanding.

The Chinese mainland market's irreplaceable contribution to Zootopia 2's global box office success is indicative of a broader trend where Hollywood films increasingly rely on international markets for their financial success. As noted by observers, China's massive consumer base and its openness to both domestic and imported films create a unique environment for cinematic success. The market's capability to nurture high-grossing films challenges the notion that it is turning away from Hollywood films. Instead, quality and cultural resonance continue to be the key factors determining whether films will be a hit or not with Chinese audiences.

As Hollywood looks to the future, the importance of understanding and engaging with the Chinese market cannot be overstated. The success of Zootopia 2 may chart the course ahead for future collaborations between Hollywood and Chinese filmmakers. By incorporating culturally relevant elements and engaging in meaningful localization, studios can create films that resonate with Chinese moviegoers, which will not only enhance their box office performance, but also foster cultural exchanges and understanding between the two countries.

Indeed, films such as Zootopia 2 can help bridge the emotional and perceptual gaps between the Chinese and American people, especially amid political and trade tensions. They serve as a medium for mutual understanding and appreciation of their different cultures. By showcasing shared values, such as friendship, perseverance and justice, these films highlight common human experiences that transcend national boundaries. Respect and acknowledgement of cultural diversity can also help foster a sense of inclusion and connection, thus reducing stereotypes and misconceptions that often fuel animosity.

In a world where political narratives often erect barriers between nations, cultural exchanges such as those facilitated by Zootopia 2 offer a powerful counterbalance, promoting understanding and collaboration.

China has become a critical market for cinematic success. Apart from Zootopia 2, Ne Zha 2, the domestic animated hit from the Spring Festival holiday, was also a global sensation. Its 15.4 billion yuan box office revenue is the highest gross ever for an animated film worldwide. This indicates China's massive consumer base remains capable of lifting films to heights unmatched anywhere else. And this is not only true of movies.

Through thoughtful collaboration and cultural exchange, both China and the US can enrich their cinematic landscapes, creating a more interconnected and culturally aware audience.