A Third Castle Rising? Inside Bob Iger’s High-Stakes Beijing Meeting and Disney’s Secret Expansion Plans for China
In a move that has sent shockwaves through both Wall Street and the global theme park industry, Disney CEO Bob Iger held a high-profile summit with Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on Friday, January 9, 2026. The meeting, which took place in the historic Great Hall of the People, wasn’t just a courtesy call; it was a clear signal that the “House of Mouse” is doubling down on its most lucrative international market, despite chilling diplomatic tensions between Washington and Beijing.
With the historic success of Zootopia 2—now officially the highest-grossing Hollywood film in Chinese history—and the continued dominance of Avatar: Fire and Ash, speculation is reaching a fever pitch: Is Disney preparing to build a third theme park in Mainland China?
The Meeting: “Confidence in China’s Development”
Bob Iger’s return to Beijing comes at a critical juncture. As the United States navigates a complex trade environment under the current Trump administration, Iger is playing the role of a corporate diplomat. According to reports from Xinhua and Reuters, Iger told Vice Premier Ding that Disney is “full of confidence” in China’s development and plans to expand its investment in the country significantly.
Vice Premier Ding welcomed Iger with open arms, stating that China remains committed to a “high-standard opening up” and inviting Disney to “deepen its presence” in the $19 trillion economy. For Iger, this isn’t just about movies; it’s about a long-term physical footprint that tethers the Disney brand to the rising Chinese middle class.+1
The “Zootopia Effect”: Rewriting the Box Office Record Books
The backdrop for Iger’s visit is Disney’s unprecedented recent winning streak at the Chinese box office. In late 2025, Zootopia 2 did the unthinkable: it surpassed the legendary record set by Avengers: Endgame to become the top-earning Hollywood import of all time in China.
As of early January 2026, Zootopia 2 has grossed over $610 million (4.3 billion yuan) in China alone. The film has become more than a movie; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Fans have flocked to theaters carrying plush toys and themed handbags, while Shanghai Disney Resort’s Zootopia Land—which opened in late 2023—has seen record-breaking attendance figures.
This success was immediately followed by Avatar: Fire and Ash, which dominated the holiday corridor in China. Together, these two films have proven that while the “superhero fatigue” might be real in the West, China’s appetite for Disney’s high-spectacle, family-friendly animation and world-building is stronger than ever.
Speculation: Where Would a Third Chinese Park Go?
Iger’s visit has reignited rumors that Disney is scouting locations for a third gate in Mainland China. Currently, Disney operates Hong Kong Disneyland and Shanghai Disney Resort; however, a significant geographic gap remains in Northern and Western China.
1. The Northern Front: Beijing or Tianjin
With Universal Studios Beijing already established, some analysts believe Disney may look toward the Tianjin area. A park in the north would serve the massive population of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei megalopolis, providing a “winter-friendly” Disney experience that could rival the northern parks in Tokyo or Paris.
2. The Western Powerhouse: Chengdu
Chengdu has frequently been mentioned in leaked planning discussions. As a hub for technology and tourism in Western China, Chengdu offers a wealthy, young demographic that currently has to travel thousands of miles to reach Shanghai. A “Western China Disney Resort” would be a strategic masterpiece for capturing the interior market.
3. The Greater Bay Area Expansion
While Hong Kong is already a staple, some speculate that Disney could partner with the government for a massive “Phase 2” expansion that effectively creates a second, distinct park in the Guangzhou area, better integrating with the Mainland’s high-speed rail network.
Navigating the Geopolitical Tightrope
The meeting between Iger and Ding takes place amid intense US-China trade tensions. In 2025, Beijing threatened to restrict Hollywood imports in response to U.S. tariffs. However, Iger’s personal diplomacy appears to have secured a “special status” for Disney.
By positioning Disney as a “bridge” for cultural exchange, Iger is ensuring that Disney’s films bypass the restrictive quotas that plague other studios. For China, Disney represents “safe” Western culture—family-oriented, technologically advanced, and economically beneficial. For Disney, it means a market of 1.4 billion people that can keep the company’s stock price afloat even when domestic park attendance fluctuates.
The Iger Legacy: Building the Future in the East
Bob Iger’s original legacy was built on the successful 2016 opening of Shanghai Disneyland, a project he famously called “authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese.” Now, in his second stint as CEO, Iger seems determined to cement that legacy by planting a third flag in the region.
As Disney’s media franchises—including Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars—continue to find new life in the East, the move toward another physical resort seems less like a question of “if” and more a question of “when.”
For now, the world is watching. With Zootopia 2 merchandise flying off the shelves in Beijing and Avatar sequels already in production, Bob Iger is making it clear: The future of Disney is bright, and much of that light is coming from the East.
Do you think Disney should build its next park in Northern China or the western United States? Stay tuned for our deep dive into the rumored “Project Dragon” expansion plans.
