Zootopia 2: A Smart, Funny, and Heartwarming Return to the City of Animals.
Image Courtesy of Walt Disney Animation Studios.
Back in 2016, Walt Disney Animation Studios released a brand-new IP titled Zootopia, following rookie police officer Judy Hopps and reformed con artist Nick Wilde. The film became a massive success, earning over one billion USD at the global box office and securing its place among Disney’s modern classics. Nearly a decade later, the studio returns to this vibrant world with Zootopia 2.
Going in, I was unsure where the story could realistically go next without repeating familiar ground, but I was pleasantly surprised by the direction the sequel chooses to explore. Rather than simply recapturing the charm of the original, the film attempts to expand its themes and characters in meaningful ways, setting the stage for a continuation that feels both ambitious and purposeful.
The story picks up one week after the events of the first film, and one of the central ideas explored this time around is dysfunction. After solving a major case and becoming the first bunny cop and fox officer duo in ZPD history, you would expect Judy and Nick to have figured out how to work together seamlessly. Instead, their clashing personalities continue to create friction, and this tension becomes a key driving force throughout the film.
It is not that they are ineffective as a team, but rather that they approach the world from very different perspectives. Judy firmly believes in her ability to create meaningful change within the system, while Nick remains deeply skeptical about whether that change truly matters. Judy is bright, optimistic, and driven by possibility, whereas Nick is more guarded, risk-averse, and focused on keeping his distance from danger. The film does a strong job of presenting both viewpoints in a way that feels honest and relatable, making it easy to understand where each character is coming from and why their partnership continues to be tested.
Image Courtesy of Walt Disney Animation Studios.
Like all strong sequels, the film expands its world in meaningful ways, introducing new regions of the city and a wider range of animals for our main characters to interact with. One of the most important additions comes in the form of reptiles, particularly snakes, who play a major role in the story. Without diving into spoilers, these characters have long been blamed for a serious incident that occurred many years ago.
Judy and Nick soon cross paths with Gary, a snake determined to uncover the truth behind what really happened, pulling them into a mystery that challenges both their assumptions and the city’s history. For a kids’ movie, Zootopia 2 touches on some surprisingly heavy ideas like classism, prejudice, and systemic oppression. It does not dive too deeply into any of them, but I always appreciate when animated films do not talk down to their audience. Even knowing that the theater is filled with kids who find the numbers 6 and 7 hilarious for reasons I still do not fully understand, the film trusts that there is room for something more thoughtful beneath the surface.
Image Courtesy of Walt Disney Animation Studios.
Outside of the story itself, the animation in Zootopia 2 is just as impressive as the first film, if not better. Every region feels thoughtfully designed and bursting with personality, from the smallest background details to the larger set pieces that help the world feel truly alive. The attention to detail is outstanding, with clever visual gags, animal-specific humor, and Easter eggs scattered throughout in a way that rewards attentive viewers without ever feeling distracting.
The voice performances also deserve praise, with the returning cast slipping effortlessly back into their roles while the new characters leave a strong impression of their own. Standout additions like Nibbles Maplestick and Mayor Winddancer bring fresh energy to the story, each adding humor, heart, and a sense of unpredictability that helps the sequel feel genuinely expanded rather than recycled. Combined with a fun, engaging mystery and strong character dynamics, the film never loses momentum and remains entertaining from start to finish.
As someone nearing 30, which still feels strange to admit considering I was in secondary school when the first film was released, I found myself genuinely enjoying this follow-up. It is the kind of movie that works across generations, offering enough charm and substance for adults while remaining colorful and accessible for younger audiences. If you have kids, younger siblings, or simply want a fun, well-crafted animated film to enjoy, this is absolutely one worth checking out.
Zootopia 2 is clearly a hit like the first movie, breaking box office records with a massive $556 million global opening weekend, the biggest ever for an animated film, and quickly crossing the $1 billion mark worldwide in just 17 days. It is still playing in theatres now.
