Bob Iger has stepped into a new role just before his official exit as CEO of Disney, making his acting debut in the highly anticipated sequel, Zootopia 2. This new installment follows fan-favorite characters Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde as they investigate a mysterious reptile causing chaos in the vibrant city of Zootopia. The film features returning voices Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman, with Ke Huy Quan adding a fresh dynamic as a character named Gary De’Snake.
The first Zootopia, released in 2016, received widespread acclaim and surpassed $1 billion in global box office earnings, making it one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time. Its success led to the creation of a Disney+ series, Zootopia+, and continued to captivate audiences, portending great expectations for Zootopia 2. Early numbers indicate that the film has already made a remarkable $10.2 million during its Tuesday preview screenings, ranking as the second-highest for a Disney Animation Studios release, following Moana 2.
Heading into the Thanksgiving week, Zootopia 2 is projected to lead the box office with potential ticket sales between $135 million and $150 million over the five-day period. The film earned an impressive $39.5 million on its first full day of release, showcasing its strong box office momentum.
Internationally, Zootopia 2 is expected to generate between $135 million and $145 million during its opening weekend, performing exceptionally well in markets such as China and Korea. The film garnered the 10th-highest opening day for any U.S. release in China, accumulating $33.7 million. In Korea, it achieved the second-highest opening day for a Hollywood film this year.
On Rotten Tomatoes, Zootopia 2 boasts a 93% approval rating, driven by enthusiastic word-of-mouth and a growing demand for family-oriented entertainment. This positions it alongside some of the strongest animated offerings in recent years.
One of the standout features of Zootopia 2 is Iger’s cameo as Bob Tiger, a animated weatherman. This marks his first foray into lending his voice to an animated character, a fun and nostalgic nod to his beginnings as a local TV weatherman in Ithaca, New York. According to director Jared Bush, Iger had long expressed interest in appearing in one of Disney’s animated films, making this cameo more than just a light-hearted addition—it’s a unique culmination of his storied career with the company.
As Iger approaches the conclusion of his tenure as CEO in 2026, his participation in Zootopia 2 symbolizes a significant moment in his journey, highlighting the impact he has had on the animation landscape at Disney. This blend of nostalgia and creativity resonates with fans, offering them a glimpse of the legacy he leaves behind.
With Zootopia 2 now in theaters, audiences can enjoy not only the excitement of the narrative but also a special forecast from the CEO himself, blending the realms of business and creativity in true Disney fashion.