Russia’s Cheburashka 2 ranks third globally in weekly box office earnings – media

The family film reportedly placed behind James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash and Zootopia 2

The Russian family film Cheburashka 2 ranked third globally in weekly box office earnings, according to the news website Kinobusiness.com.

The comedy about the iconic Soviet-era animated character earned nearly $31 million after premiering in Russia on January 1, setting a new domestic record.

Deadline said James Cameron’s epic Avatar: Fire and Ash and the animated film Zootopia 2 led global box office totals for the week with $169.6 million and $81.7 million respectively.

Cheburashka, a small creature known for his large ears and childlike demeanor, was created by writer Eduard Uspensky. The children’s stories were later adapted into a series of cartoons that became smash hits in the Soviet Union. The character remains popular in Russia and has been used as a mascot by several national sports teams.

The first live-action Cheburashka film was released in Russia in 2023, setting a box office record with $80 million. The release came a year after major Hollywood studios cut ties with the country over the Ukraine conflict.