Disney's 3D animation "Zootopia" is a big hit in China. (Photo : YouTube)
Disney has made it official that its 3D animation “Zootopia” will hit the theaters in China on March 4, in line with the release in North America.
The firm also revealed the film's Chinese poster and trailer, whereby viewers in China will have a first glimpse of the mammal metropolis of Zootopia. The trailer reveals major characters, including a rabbit police officer and a red fox, a minor con artist, according to CRIEnglish.
Meanwhile, USA Today reported that Idris Elba ("Thor") plays Police Chief Bogo, based on an exclusive first video clip from Disney.
In the clip, Elba goes through an energetic morning meeting, overlooking his new recruit, Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin), the first-ever bunny on the crew.
Talking to the publication in Oct. 2015, Elba said that he had some serious "shoulder envy" over his character Bogo and pointed out that he "grabbed the party by the horns."
While viewers from China have a full month to watch the movie on their big screens, the released clip sets up the story that features Hopps joining the forces with a shady fox named Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) to handle a missing mammal case before the expiry of its 48-hour deadline.
Furthermore, "Zootopia" stars fellow animals including Mayor Leodore Lionheart (J.K. Simmons) and Yax the Yak (Tommy Chong).
Directed by Byron Howard, the animated comedy brings together unlikely friends since the talkative fox and self-righteous rabbit both become targets of conspiracy. The two are eventually compelled to pair up.
Reportedly, the film is scheduled to open in mainland China in 2D, 3D, IMAX 3D, and big screen format.
Previously, Disney animation's "Frozen" grossed $48 million in 2014 at the Chinese box office.
"Zootopia" becomes the second revenue-sharing film of 2016 for the studio, after "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," which hit the theaters on Jan. 9.
