Call it an unintended consequence of Disney fandom. According to CNN, Chinese e-commerce platforms have seen increasing interest — and prices — for the highly venomous blue Indonesian pit viper following the release of Zootopia 2. Gary De’Snake, a new character voiced by Ke Huy Quan, has become a worldwide phenomenon. Apparently it’s not just Gary merch that Chinese fans want to bring home.
Gary De’Snake from the Zootopia 2 trailer – Walt Disney Animation Studios, YouTube
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While Judy Hopps once again represents more conventional (and cuddly) animals, the outlet also notes that reptile adoption is on the rise in China. It cites a 2025 report that snakes make up over 50% of all the reptiles being kept as pets. Perhaps adding to the interest is that Zootopia 2 arrived near the end of the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac.
In the movie, Gary wants to reform his family’s image. Now it seems that the movie is changing opinions about venomous snakes and Disney at the same time.
A Breakout Hit in China
The animated sequel to the 2016 Oscar-winner has become Walt Disney Animation’s highest-grossing movie ever, with $1.46 billion at the global box office. A large percentage of that came from China, where a surprise New Year’s Day rally brought in $14.67 million for a cumulative $589.8 million total.
The Washington Post noted that Disney films have struggled in China, specifically mentioning the live-action Snow White and The Little Mermaid remakes as primary examples. It says that consequently some industry analysts were taken off guard by Zootopia 2’s success, which also extends to merchandise, Shanghai Disneyland’s Zootopia-themed attraction, and, unexpectedly, even pet pit vipers.
Gary De’Snake in the Zootopia 2 trailer – Walt Disney Animation Studios, YouTube
The state-run Xinhua News Agency reported that the China Film International Cinema Tiantian China Film Store is having trouble keeping Zootopia 2-themed dolls, tote bags, pillows, and blind boxes in stock. “We keep restocking, and each batch sells out as soon as it’s released,” the store’s manager, Wu Ying, said.
Much of the credit for the sequel’s impressive box office is due to the popularity of the first film. Many Chinese viewers reportedly appreciated Zootopia’s “lack of political preaching.” The country’s film critics have spoken highly of Zootopia 2, saying it “has basically maintained the level of the first film. The story, visual style, pacing, and comedic elements are all top-notch.”
The film’s commercial momentum suggests that its success in China may have implications far beyond a single theatrical run.
A Blueprint for Disney’s Future
Theater owners, Disney, and pet shops that sell pit vipers have all benefited from the success of Zootopia 2. While a Zootopia 3 has yet to be announced, as long as the fox and rabbit detective duo remain popular, audiences can expect a steady flow of sequels. The studio will also likely be looking for ways to replicate its international appeal in other productions.
Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps at the police station in Zootopia 2 – YouTube, Disney
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Meanwhile, Jared Bush, the Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios, co-writer of Zootopia and the writer and co-director of Zootopia 2, has an idea. He’s teased the idea of a Keanu Reeves cameo as “Baba Llama.” As improbable as the popularity of pet pit vipers was, perhaps Zootopia 3 will result in fans getting even bigger pets. For Disney, however, the hope will be for something simpler: even bigger box office returns.
Did Zootopia 2 make you want to get a pet pit viper? Let us know in the comments!
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