Yvett Merino on Zootopia 2 Box Office Records and Latina Success

Variety

by Clayton Davis

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Yvett Merino, the producer of *Zootopia 2*, has an unconventional yet inspiring rise to success at Walt Disney Company. Starting as a temp worker in unglamorous roles, she built her career through persistence and an unexpected path that diverged from her sociology background in social work. Her journey reflects a refreshing outsider perspective in Hollywood, where she has earned a well-deserved place at the table. Known for her humility, Merino credits her *Zootopia 2* Oscar nomination to the collaborative efforts of the entire team, emphasizing the importance of shared success in a cutthroat industry. Merino’s approach to sequels is rooted in quality and character-driven storytelling. For *Zootopia 2*, she focused on deepening the relationship between Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, ensuring the sequel met or exceeded the high bar set by its predecessor. Her emphasis on trust and complexity resonates with both children and adults, a philosophy that avoids “dumbing down” stories but instead ensures they are accessible while layering in references that reward attentive audiences. This balance has contributed to *Zootopia 2*’s global box office success, making it the ninth-biggest release of all time. Merino’s perspective on modern entertainment highlights the enduring value of communal moviegoing experiences. In an era dominated by streaming and fractured metrics like box office and cultural chatter, she remains a champion for the shared experience of laughter, emotion, and connection in theaters. Her story not only celebrates Latinx representation in Hollywood but also underscores the importance of collaboration and humility in achieving artistic and commercial success.

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Originally published on Variety on 2/19/2026