Since its first full-length animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937, Walt Disney Animation Studios hasn’t made many sequels. Most of those have come out recently, as so many franchises are being extended. However, Zootopia 2 is remarkably better than the others. While sequels like Ralph Breaks the Internet, Frozen 2, and Moana 2 haven’t quite captured the magic of the originals, Zootopia 2 succeeds by giving fans more of what they enjoyed while also building on the story and ideas of the first film. Plus, it’s simply a fun and touching movie.
In Zootopia 2, Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) and Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) are back as partners at the Zootopia PD, and the film really leans into their contrasting personalities – a dynamic that worked so well in the first movie. The first part of the film hits all the classic buddy cop beats: they get scolded by their boss (Idris Elba) for a mistake, and then go off on their own when they suspect something isn’t right. What truly makes the film succeed is Nick and Judy themselves; they’re a charming and believable pair, brought to life by the directors, Jared Bush and Byron Howard (who also wrote the script), and perfectly cast voice actors.
In Zootopia 2, Judy and Nick find themselves on the run from the Zootopia police after uncovering a secret plot orchestrated by the influential Lynxley family, led by Milton (David Strathairn), and involving a mysterious snake named Gary (Ke Huy Quan). The story reveals that reptiles, especially snakes, face prejudice in Zootopia – in fact, snakes haven’t been seen in the city for a hundred years until Gary’s unexpected arrival.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
The original Zootopia film used animal characters to explore themes of race and acceptance, and the sequel builds on those ideas. This time, the story focuses on how reptiles are treated unfairly, often being overlooked and especially how snakes are unfairly blamed for problems. Nick and Judy’s investigation into Gary’s situation reveals the history behind this discrimination. While the message isn’t hidden, it’s presented in a way that’s effective and appropriate for a family audience, offering a valuable lesson about tolerance and equality.
Building on the groundwork laid by the first film, Zootopia 2 quickly gets into the action. The animation remains top-notch, featuring exciting and inventive sequences – like a thrilling car chase and a dangerous ride through an underwater tunnel where Nick and Judy struggle to breathe. The movie also introduces stunning new environments, particularly Marsh Market, a vibrant reptile habitat that includes a wonderfully detailed bar where Nick and Judy meet Jesús, a character voiced by Danny Trejo.
The movie is consistently funny, thanks to both its characters and its many references to other films. These references are all over the place, including inside jokes about Disney movies and nods to classics like Back to the Future and The Silence of the Lambs. Adults who catch the references will enjoy them even more, but the humor is cleverly designed so kids can still laugh even if they don’t get the joke. This is particularly true in the third act, which includes a great homage to a famous horror movie, complete with a recognizable musical cue seamlessly added to the already fantastic score by Michael Giacchino.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
The success of Zootopia 2 largely comes down to its fantastic use of the characters Nick and Judy. The movie really emphasizes their unlikely partnership and how different they are, which creates a lot of fun. The filmmakers know fans are invested in whether Nick and Judy might become a couple, and they include a few moments that hint at that possibility. But even if you don’t want to see them get romantic, the movie makes you care deeply about their connection. The animation is crucial here – the characters’ expressions are incredibly detailed and nuanced, especially as they navigate their adventure and discover how alike or different they truly are. Despite all the big laughs and impressive visuals, the audience I watched the film with was most captivated by the small, important moments between Nick and Judy.
The voice acting is consistently strong throughout the film. Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman have great chemistry, and Ke Huy Quan adds a delightful sweetness to the mix. Fortune Feimster and Andy Samberg are also excellent as a beaver and lynx, becoming important friends to Judy and Nick. A large and talented group of actors, including Danny Trejo, John Strathairn, Quinta Brunson, Patrick Warburton, Jenny Slate, and many returning favorites, fill out the supporting roles. Shakira returns as the popular singer Gazelle with another upbeat song, though “Zoo” isn’t quite as memorable as the film’s previous hit, “Try Everything.”
While Moana 2 felt typical of many Disney sequel disappointments—pleasant but not as good as the original—Zootopia 2 is a surprisingly strong follow-up. It’s the kind of crowd-pleasing sequel that most franchises aim for, but rarely achieve. The new film successfully builds on everything fans loved about the first Zootopia, offering a fresh and engaging adventure without losing sight of its characters or important themes. Zootopia 2’s success practically guarantees a third film, and hopefully, this winning formula continues!
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2025-11-25 20:05