Dec 12 (Reuters) - Walt Disney Animation

Studios' "Zootopia 2" is on track to surpass $1 billion at the

global box office, the company said on Friday, as the sequel

continues its strong run in international markets.

The film, which revisits the bustling animal metropolis of

"Zootopia," features returning characters Judy Hopps, a rabbit

police officer voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin, and her fox partner

Nick Wilde, voiced by Jason Bateman.

The duo embarks on a new adventure that blends humor and

social themes, echoing the formula that made the original a hit.

"Zootopia 2" opened strongly over the U.S. Thanksgiving

weekend, giving Hollywood a boost at the start of the critical

holiday season.

The film's runaway success has been fueled by an

extraordinary reception in China, where "Zootopia 2" dominated

the box office during its opening weekend, accounting for

roughly 95% of all ticket sales nationwide.

The original "Zootopia" also became China's most popular

foreign animated film when it was released in 2016.

The performance offers welcome relief for theater operators

hoping for packed cinemas through Christmas, traditionally the

second-busiest moviegoing period of the year. Global box office

receipts have yet to return to the pre-pandemic levels seen in

2019.