Zootropolis 2's Unstoppable Triumph! Plus, The Next Chapter of Narnia and the Stories 'Pia' Tells

It's absolutely massive, isn't it? As we settle into March 2026, with spring truly beginning to show its face everywhere, the buzz at the cinemas shows no signs of cooling down. We've been talking about this one non-stop since the end of last year. That's right, Zootropolis 2. Even now, as it approaches the three-month mark since release, its momentum is completely unstoppable. It's the ultimate example of a buddy movie done right.

Eight Weeks at Number One – A Record-Breaking Run: What Zootropolis 2's Numbers Really Mean

First, let's look at the sheer power of this film through the numbers. Since its release on December 5th, 2025, it has held the number one spot at the box office for eight consecutive weeks. That's a record-breaking run for a foreign film in Japan. For us film fans, this is a huge deal. What's more, I hear it's still holding onto the top spot even this week, its twelfth week in cinemas. You're having a laugh, right?

As for the box office revenue, which everyone's curious about, it's not just Japan – the global momentum is incredible too. As of last month, domestic box office takings have surpassed ¥15 billion, and globally, it's crossed a staggering $1.8 billion (approx. ¥2.7 trillion), smashing the record for the highest-grossing Hollywood animated film of all time. The first film was a huge hit, but to see it reach this scale is something else. It just goes to show, it's not just a cute animal flick; its brilliance as a masterpiece of social commentary, mystery, and the buddy genre has spread through word of mouth, steadily building its legend.

The Legendary 'NO MORE Film Pirates' Collab and the Cinema Experience Today

A particularly hot topic in Japan's unique promotion for Zootropolis 2 was that collaboration with the 'NO MORE Film Pirates' campaign.

You know the ad with the camera-wielding man and the officer with the flashing light bar that always plays before the main feature? This marks the first time it's officially collaborated with a Hollywood film. In this special version, the Camera Man has been reimagined as 'Camera Weasel', inspired by Duke Weaselton (the weasel who sold pirated DVDs in the first film). The Patrol Light Man has transformed into 'Patrol Light Bunny' and 'Patrol Light Fox', inspired by Judy and Nick. The narration is even handled by Aya Ueto and Tomoyuki Morikawa. It was originally meant to be a limited-time screening until January 8th, 2026, but it was so well-received that rumour has it you can still catch it in some cinemas. If you're heading to the pictures, don't rush off before the end – keep an eye out for it.

And you can't miss the current visitor giveaways being distributed at cinemas. For the sixth wave, you can get nine different parody advertisement stickers, turning quintessential 'only in Japan' adverts into Zootropolis-style gags. You'll see Flash the sloth starring in an ad for a mobile network with 'connection that's too slow', or Clawhauser, the donut-loving cheetah, as the face of a donut shop. You've got to love that playful spirit.

• Zootropolis 2 Synopsis (a quick recap): Judy and Nick are now working as full-fledged detective partners, but they cause a huge ruckus during one particular mission. While tracking down 'Gary the Snake', who shouldn't even exist in the city, they gradually uncover the astonishing truth behind Zootropolis' very origins: "Why are there only mammals here?"
• Japanese Voice Cast: Alongside Aya Ueto (Judy) and Tomoyuki Morikawa (Nick), the film boasts a stellar cast including Ryosuke Yamada, Hiro Shimono, Dream Ami, and Tomio Umezawa.

A New Journey for Narnia – Beyond Prince Caspian

Now, while Zootropolis 2 seems to be dominating the 2026 film scene, quietly but surely capturing fans' hearts is the news of a Narnia reboot.

As many of you will know, the big news is that Greta Gerwig (director of Little Women and Barbie) is helming two new Chronicles of Narnia films for Netflix. The first film won't be an adaptation of the well-known The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, but rather The Magician's Nephew, which chronologically comes first. This is the origin story of Narnia, featuring Aslan creating the world with his song – an epic theme that will truly put Greta Gerwig's directorial prowess to the test. It's scheduled for an exclusive IMAX preview in November 2026 (around Thanksgiving), followed by a release on Netflix.

And here, stirring our memories, is the presence of Ben Barnes, who played Prince Caspian in the original series. He recently spoke about this reboot, calling it "thrilling". He said, "Classic literature has endless ways to be adapted to speak to new generations. Fantasy can be such a beautiful allegory for hope and goodness and faith." It's a really profound thought, isn't it?

The big question is about that 'second chapter'. How will this new reboot series handle the storyline from Prince Caspian? The original series gave us The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian back in 2008, but it's still undecided which book Greta's second film will be based on. However, the story of 'Prince Caspian' is, for fans, a crucial chapter not to be missed. Will it be portrayed with a new interpretation, or will it be approached from a completely different angle? It really gets the imagination going.

Pia's Take on the 'Experiences' to Come

Amidst all this flurry of film news, the one we always turn to is Pia, isn't it? Back in the day, you'd be hunched over a terminal at the convenience store to buy tickets, but now it's all done on your smartphone. Even so, the quality of the 'inside scoop' and the 'special features' that Pia offers feels sharper than ever as a web media outlet.

From behind-the-scenes looks at mega-hits like Zootropolis 2 to in-depth articles digging into reboot news like The Chronicles of Narnia. These aren't just lists of news items; they're an invaluable medium that conveys interviews with the creators and the very atmosphere of the industry. When you're stuck on what to see next weekend, or when you want to get a bit of insider info – you check Pia. That habit probably won't change.

So, here's to the new season of life starting this spring. Along with new encounters, let's fully enjoy that 'special time' you can only get in a cinema. The 2026 entertainment scene is one to keep your eyes firmly fixed on.