Review - Zootopia 2

Length: 1hr 44 minutes

Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Ke Huy Quan

Animation Studio: Walt Disney Animation

Genre: Animation, Family, Adventure

Where to Watch: In theaters now

Light, camera, fur. It's been nearly ten years since the world was introduced to Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde in the hit animated movie Zootopia. The Disney animated smash hit was lauded for its characters and world, which introduced an entire city of different biomes, representing diverse wildlife. At its core, Zootopia was critically praised for its themes of diversity and tackling current social topics, weaving these topics into a way that was easy to understand.

Now, in 2025, after what has been a sleepy year in movies, Zootopia 2 roars back into the wild to give viewers a sequel they deserve. It may have been a long wait, but Zootopia 2 delivers on all fronts. From the chemistry of Judy and Nick to the new characters, introduction of reptiles, and tackling topics such as exploitation, Zootopia 2 is a fantastic sequel and a welcome return to this world.

A Story Unfolds

It’s been about a week since Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) became partners in the ZPD. They join a colorful ensemble of creatures dedicated to keeping all of Zootopia safe. However, Judy’s and Nick’s chemistry becomes disruptive, catching the attention of Chief Bogo (Idris Elba). The two are instructed to go to therapy, lest they be separated. Busting up a smuggling ring, they discover snake skin and a potential intruder to the Centennial gala, celebrating 100 years of Zootopia, hosted by a wealthy family of lynxes, known as the Lynxleys. A hooded figure reveals themselves, Gary DeSnake (Key Huy QUan).

In the ensuing chaos that unfolds, Judy confronts Gary and retrieves a journal. Gary claims this journal is the key to helping his family. While Nick subdues Gary, Judy is convinced something is amiss. Reptiles haven’t been seen in Zootopia, and Gary makes his case, convincing Judy. Nick and Judy are framed for aiding Gary, and as they escape, Gary accidentally invenomates Chief Bogo. On the run and seeking the truth, Nick and Judy work to clear their names and also find the truth that may change the fate of Zootopia.

Hot Fursuit

It’s hard to talk about Zootopia 2 without talking about the visual spectacle it is. The animation is fluid and the best Disney has done yet. There is a strong sense of texture and color this time around, which at first,t can be a little overwhelming, especially in the first few minutes with a big chase sequence. However, this overwhelming sense of color and energy yields to a strong sense of kinetic energy throughout the film.

The movie spends a lot of time in the desert and frozen biomes, especially compared to the first. One spot sees a new river area that features more aquatic and semi-aquatic creatures. Familiar characters get a visual upgrade, and the new characters, namely the Lynxleys and reptiles, have a time to shine. Zootopia 2 goes places and is a total visual feast. There is a lot to see during the 1-hour and 45-minute runtime. Once again, I couldn’t help but want to stay in this world.

Disney Magic

While Zootopia 2 is a visual feast, it would be nothing without the story and the characters that inhabit it. Disney’s last few sequels missed the mark in understanding its audience and their expectations of the characters. I still have a sore spot for how misguided Ralph Breaks the Internet was. I'm pleased to say that chemistry and calibration are back, and Zootopia 2 has many layers to its story and characters.

Nick and Judy are the heart and soul of Zootopia 2. One challenge with the sequel is to see the theory relation evolve and become stronger. Fortunately, the writing meets the chemistry, and the two are an infectious couple. This time, they are not strangers working a case but partners on the same team. As with any friendship, there are highs and lows, successes and setbacks. The writing is tight in that when the high work, they work. When they hit a low, you feel the emotional connection and the connections these two characters have with each other. This also makes for a long list of jokes and humor with tight, witty writing.

A Sequel of Grand Scale

Newcomer Gary DeSnake is incredibly likable. He has a sweetness and warmth that contradict expectations of reptiles being cold and unaffectionate. His screentime is a bit more limited than I would have liked, but he eats up the screen with his innocence and animation. Coupled with this is a strong performance by Andy Samberg as Pawbert Lynxley, the odd one out of the Lynxley family, along with Fortune Femister as the conspiracy theorist beaver, Nibbles.

The humor hits a mile a minute. Zootopia 2 even has more puns and nods to bigger films, in particular, one segment inspired by Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining. But the story and pacing leave time to tell its most important story and leave space for its emotional moments. At its core, Zootopia is about colonization and urban planning corruption, along with the discrimination and racial topics that defined the first one. It’s woven into the story without feeling preachy, using the characters to tell the story and share the lesson.

A Wondrous Journey

It’s refreshing to see this chemistry and alignment return. Whereas the last few Disney sequels felt they were without heart or misunderstood the assignment, Zootopia 2 understood its expectations and the need to mature its characters, using the silliness, humor, and world-building to still tell an important tale. Yes, pun intended.

Zootopia 2 does a lot in its runtime, but perhaps that is where its weakness is. I simply wanted more. Maybe an increased runtime would have made for an even stronger sequel. In particular, there are several other characters voiced by the likes of Danny Trejo and Michael J Fox, and they simply become something akin to cameo appearances. If the movie had been bumped to 2 hours, more could have been added. However, with its current runtime, a lot happens, and it mostly works.

Head to Zootopia 2

Zootopia 2 is what a sequel from Disney Animation should be. It’s colorful, whimsical, silly, fun, and most importantly, profound. Its emotional depth is heartfelt, and the story’s themes work tremendously well. I just wish we spent more time in this world, but it’s the journey, not the destination. Zootopia 2 is a wild, good journey!

ZOOTOPIA IS A MUST WATCH