Zootopia 2 Has Critics Atwitter

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Both your 8-year-old and teenage relatives are onto something! Zootopia 2 is the perfect Thanksgiving movie for the whole family, and critics are overwhelmingly positive about it. It opens in theaters on November 27th, though some reviewers admit they’re a little surprised by how appealing it is.

In the new movie Zootopia 2, Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman) team up once more to find Gary De-Snake (Ke Huy Quan), a mischievous reptile causing trouble in town. Directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, the sequel delivers uplifting messages about acceptance and plenty of humor. While critics praise the film’s positive themes – especially given recent changes in Disney’s diversity and inclusion efforts – opinions are mixed on the connection between the two main characters. Here’s a look at what critics are saying about Zootopia 2.

Okay, let me just say, I’m definitely not part of the furry fandom, and I apologize if this review makes it sound like I’m reducing their community to… well, you know. But seriously, the sequel, Zootopia 2, directed by the original team, Jared Bush and Byron Howard (with Bush writing!), is so good at hinting at a romance between Judy and Nick. It’s almost like they’re deliberately playing with that idea, and it’s hilarious! The movie follows the same formula as the first one – Judy and Nick barely get a break before they’re thrown into another crazy conspiracy involving Zootopia’s elite. What’s really interesting is how the animation has improved – you can see every detail of their fur – and the movie actually gives Judy and Nick some real emotional depth. Nick talks about his past trauma, and Judy admits she’s a bit of a workaholic who feels like she needs to constantly prove herself. It all adds up to this really funny tension where their friendship starts to feel… a lot like something more. Like, L-U-R-V-E love, you know?

While the first Zootopia film focused on building trust between its main characters, the sequel tackles the more complex idea of mutual respect. Though this might seem like a less straightforward story, the writer, Bush, portrays Nick and Judy’s relationship like a newly married couple still getting used to each other’s quirks – creating plenty of opportunities for humorous arguments. Ultimately, these films are comedies with a nod to crime movies, but it’s their underlying social messages that make the Zootopia franchise so valuable, offering meaningful lessons alongside the laughs.

Just when you think Zootopia 2 has moved away from the heavy-handed social commentary of the first movie, it actually introduces an even more complex one. What initially feels like a typical buddy cop story quickly becomes an exploration of how city planning can be discriminatory, how easily fear can be stirred up against minority groups, and the plight of refugees who were forced to leave their homes. — Brandon Yu, New York Times

While Zootopia 2 is definitely funny, fast-paced, and a lot of fun, it also has a genuine emotional depth that’s been lacking in recent Disney animated films. The movie carries a meaningful message and portrays a truly touching connection between Nick and Judy. Plus, there’s a brilliantly done The Shining parody that parents will love and kids might find a little scary – it’s a scene that will likely be remembered for years to come. Was it worth the wait? Absolutely, and audiences are already eager to see what happens next!

Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter praises Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman’s performances as Judy and Nick, highlighting the heartwarming and humorous chemistry between their characters. Despite Nick’s insistence that foxes prefer to be alone, their connection is clearly growing more romantic, hinting at a potential relationship in a future film—hopefully one that arrives sooner rather than later.

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2025-11-27 01:54