China has long been an unpredictable but essential market for Hollywood, and this month may be one of the biggest indicators of where that relationship is headed. Two major titles are about to hit Chinese cinemas: Disney’s Zootopia 2 this week, and Avatar: Fire and Ash three weeks later.
How these films perform could shape how studios approach the Chinese market moving forward.
Zootopia 2 is tracking extremely high, even surpassing where Avengers: Endgame was at a similar point.
Avatar: Fire and Ash hasn’t opened presales yet, but James Cameron remains one of the most bankable filmmakers in China.
Industry insiders say these two releases are the clearest test yet of whether Hollywood still has a meaningful place in China, or if the market has shifted too far inward.
If both films hit anywhere between $125M–$150M+ in China during their opening stretch, it’s considered a strong sign of life. Anything significantly below may trigger a major reassessment in how studios spend, market, and strategize for the region.
Read the full breakdown here: https://deadline.com/2025/11/zootopia-avatar-fire-and-ash-china-box-offi...
Discussion question:
What do you think? Can Hollywood regain momentum in China, or are we seeing a long-term pivot away from U.S. studio titles in that market?
4 people like this
Hi James, I'm attending on the 11th. I'm an actor, and I know what it's like to have an acting agent. I have no idea what it is like to grab the attention of a literary agent. I have written a lot of...
Expand commentHi James, I'm attending on the 11th. I'm an actor, and I know what it's like to have an acting agent. I have no idea what it is like to grab the attention of a literary agent. I have written a lot of screenplays and stage plays which are at different levels of completion. Some are finalized. Some were shot. I have been told I have a distinctive voice. So, I'm looking forward to this.
2 people like this
Hi, David!
Thanks so much for sharing this with me, what a fantastic question for our host during the live Q&A. I love hearing where you’re at in your journey, and I think this session is really going to speak to you. I hope you can join us for the webinar!
2 people like this
I’m new to this industry and have been swept along by the positivity coming from everyone at Stage 32. I’ve decided to join this webinar, having just received a terrific marketing profile from a publi...
Expand commentI’m new to this industry and have been swept along by the positivity coming from everyone at Stage 32. I’ve decided to join this webinar, having just received a terrific marketing profile from a publisher who is impressed with my first novel. So many times people have suggested my story would make a great TV drama or even a movie. The series is close to being finished and comprises of three books, so far. I believe this could be the next step for me on a whole new career.
1 person likes this
Looking forward to this opportunity!
1 person likes this
Looking forward to the webinar tomorrow :)