Zootopia 3 Gets Encouraging Release Update from Disney

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It took a while for Disney to start working on the next chapter of Zootopia, but now it seems a third movie – and potentially more projects – are on the way much sooner. A leading creative behind the successful Zootopia franchise has shared promising news, suggesting fans won’t have to wait nearly as long for what comes next.

In a recent online Q&A, Jared Bush, co-director of Zootopia 2 and Chief Creative Officer at Walt Disney Animation Studios, answered questions from fans on Weibo (a Chinese social media platform). The conversation, reported by SINA, covered the success of the Zootopia sequel, potential plans for Zootopia 3, and the future of the franchise’s unique animal world. Bush’s comments, which have been translated and clarified, suggest Disney has a well-defined vision for where the Zootopia story is headed.

Zootopia 3’s Release Gap Will Be Much Shorter

The biggest news for me was hearing directly from director Byron Howard and co-director Chris Bush that Zootopia 3 is actually going to happen! They finally confirmed it. They also talked about the long wait – almost nine years! – between the first Zootopia, which came out in 2016, and the sequel. As a huge fan, I’m just thrilled to know more adventures with Judy and Nick are on the way.

Question: “When is Zootopia 3 coming? We waited 9 years for the second one…”

Jared Bush: “Byron is lazy; he likes to take his time (laughs).”

Byron Howard admits he prefers a deliberate pace, but agrees that nine years was an excessive wait for their latest project. He assures audiences that their next film won’t take nearly as long to produce.

Jared Bush says the project is likely to take less than nine years to complete. They’re currently brainstorming ideas, a stage that typically lasts two to three years out of a five-year production timeline.

If the plans for Zootopia 3 stay on track, it could be released around 2030 – much sooner than the wait between the first Zootopia movie and a potential sequel.

What Zootopia 3 Could Be About

During a discussion with the filmmakers, SINA inquired about hints within the story, especially rumors that a potential Zootopia 3 might introduce a completely different set of animals. Bush responded to these rumors without dismissing them, instead offering a deliberately vague answer designed to excite fans.

SINA: “Is Zootopia 3 confirmed to be about birds?”

Jared Bush confirmed that the feather seen at the end of Zootopia 2 is a deliberate hint. He explained that the filmmakers had previously featured reptiles in the second movie, suggesting the feather is a significant clue about what’s to come.

Although not officially announced, a hint from Bush suggests Disney might continue its trend of introducing new environments and societies in each Zootopia sequel. Focusing on birds could offer fresh visuals and storytelling opportunities while still maintaining the series’ core themes of social commentary.

More Zootopia Beyond the Movies?

Ever since Zootopia 2 got such amazing reviews, everyone’s been asking if Disney will keep the world alive with more shows on Disney+, like a Zootopia+ type of thing. Someone brought it up during an interview, and Howard – well, he got really excited and gave a super promising answer!

SINA asked if the creators planned to make more short-form content related to their films, like the ‘Zootopia+’ series, since fans enjoy seeing that kind of extra material.

Jared Bush: “That’s interesting. What do you say, Byron?”

As a huge fan of ‘Zootopia’, I totally get why they’re doing these animated shorts! Honestly, the world they created is so rich and detailed, it’s impossible to fit everything into one movie. Director Byron Howard has said they’re thrilled to explore more of that world through these shorts, and he believes all you really need for a great short is a solid idea – which, knowing ‘Zootopia’, I’m sure they have plenty of!

Howard highlighted the positive reception of Zootopia+, specifically commending the detailed backstory given to the character Mr. Big. He also suggested exploring spin-off series focusing on other well-liked characters from the show.

Byron Howard shared his enthusiasm for Zootopia+, particularly enjoying the backstory given to Mr. Big. He praised its visual style, humor, and overall quality, and expressed interest in further expanding the series. He even suggested that characters like Officer Cheetah and the former Deputy Mayor Goat—a personal favorite—could potentially carry their own spin-off shows. He seems open to the possibility of exploring more stories within the Zootopia universe.

Howard believes the future looks bright for the Zootopia franchise, especially after the impressive performance of its latest film both in the US and worldwide.

What This Means for Zootopia’s Future

Disney Animation is getting a major boost at just the right moment. The sequel to Zootopia is already a huge success around the world, having earned over $1 billion globally, including more than $500 million in China.

The film’s financial success likely fueled the boldness of its creative choices. Disney doesn’t seem to see Zootopia as a fluke, but rather as a lasting franchise, similar to Toy Story or Moana, that can continue to deliver hits over time.

Bush’s recent statements show the studio has taken note of the long break between Zootopia films. With better organization, a solid plan for making movies, and plans to expand the story across different platforms, another Zootopia movie and other projects set in that world seem very likely. This is great news for fans, and the strongest sign yet that Zootopia is actively being developed again after almost ten years.

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2025-12-24 01:07