In a stark illustration of Hollywood’s box office divide, Zootopia 2 has cemented itself as one of the year’s runaway theatrical hits while Ella McCay sputtered out at the box office.
The animated sequel from Disney enjoyed a dominant weekend, reclaiming the number one position in its third week of release. Audiences continue to flock to theaters to see Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and the expanded animal world, helping the film crack the $1 billion mark globally — an achievement only a handful of films reach, especially in the PG‑rated category. Zootopia 2 not only exceeded expectations domestically but also turned in major international grosses that underpin its blockbuster status.
By contrast, Ella McCay, a new political comedy‑drama, struggled mightily in its theatrical debut. With earnings barely exceeding two million dollars nationwide, it registered as one of the weakest openings in recent Disney‑connected history. Critics were generally cool toward the film, and audiences opted for more proven entertainment options instead. This performance underscores the widening gap in theatrical economics: audiences are increasingly concentrating around franchise fare and major animated releases, leaving smaller original films with little traction in theaters.
Hollywood analysts see this bifurcation as part of a larger trend where films without clear, emotionally resonant box office hooks have a hard time justifying a trip to the cinema. In this landscape, crowd‑pleasing sequels and tentpole features thrive while mid‑budget originals face an uphill battle.
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