Zootopia 2 Is One of Disney’s Best Sequels & Avoids the Worst Cliché (Review)

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Walt Disney Animation has a long history of creating hit movies, but very few original films have earned over $1 billion at the box office. So, it was likely a matter of time before a sequel to Zootopia arrived. Luckily, the team behind the original – writer/director Jared Bush and director Byron Howard – took the time to make sure Zootopia 2 lived up to the high expectations. The result is a sequel that builds on the first film’s message about different groups living together, while also finding a new and interesting way to tell the story.

Picking up just a week after the first film, Zootopia 2 teams up Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman) and Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) as official partners. Their differing approaches – Judy’s drive to impress and Nick’s laid-back attitude – quickly land them in hot water with the perpetually stern Chief Bogo (voiced by Idris Elba). Adding to the challenge, they discover the first serpent sighting in Zootopia in over a hundred years, launching them into a secret investigation to unravel a new mystery.

The story of Zootopia 2 takes us to new parts of the amazing city, tackling important themes like inherited wealth and bias. We also see Nick and Judy develop as individuals, with their friendship challenged by their different personalities, especially when the stakes are high. This sequel truly delivers, building on the original world in a significant way while keeping the focus on its characters. While it might not feel as fresh as the first Zootopia, it’s still among Disney’s best sequels.

Rating: 4/5

PROS CONS
Successfully expands Zootopia’s world while prioritizing character development. The complex message is simplified for younger viewers.
Thematically daring, tackling issues of historical injustice and generational prejudice.
Avoids tiresome tropes by celebrating a sincere, platonic friendship between its leads.
The introduction of reptiles breathes new life and variety into the creative setting.

Zootopia 2 Treats Its Message, and Its Characters, Seriously

While other family movies have touched on accepting differences, Zootopia stood out when it came out nearly a decade ago. It tackled complex issues like racial profiling by police – a real-world problem – in a way that was surprising for a kids’ film. Though it didn’t fully explore these ideas, it’s still admirable that the movie even attempted to address structural racism.

I was really struck by Zootopia 2. It tackles this incredibly important idea – how history often overlooks or even steals the contributions of certain groups, while those in power take credit. It’s often fueled by racism, which then gets used to justify unfair treatment. The movie argues that true healing can only begin when we acknowledge these past wrongs and return what was stolen. It’s a complex topic, but Zootopia 2 handles it beautifully, weaving it into a fun and engaging story that even kids can understand. Honestly, even if some of the details are simplified, I think it’s fantastic that it opens up a conversation about these real-world issues. It’s so important for families to talk about this, and this movie is a great way to start.

The sequel to Zootopia smartly avoids predictable storylines with its characters. It could have easily turned the relationship between the two main characters, Judy and Nick, into a romance, but instead, it shows them developing a deep, caring friendship. They support each other and address past hurts, creating a strong bond without becoming a couple. This kind of genuine, platonic connection is rare in animated films, making Zootopia 2‘s choice particularly welcome.

The Introduction of Reptiles Breathes New Life Into Zootopia

The original Zootopia was already incredibly imaginative in its depiction of a city shared by all kinds of mammals, and many consider it Disney’s most creative setting yet. The sequel, Zootopia 2, expands on this by introducing reptiles, giving the animators and writers fresh ideas to work with. The story also takes us to unexplored parts of the city, highlighting its diverse cultures. Adding to the fun are new characters, including the hilarious and quirky beaver, Nibbles Maplestick, voiced by Fortune Feimster, who often steals the show.

The new movie continues to draw humor from popular culture and iconic films. A particularly memorable scene is clearly inspired by Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, and the filmmakers also cleverly reference the Back to the Future trilogy. The film’s diverse setting is reflected in its music, with new songs highlighting the reptile characters and a catchy theme song performed by Gazelle, voiced by Shakira, added to an already excellent soundtrack.

Okay, so I just saw Zootopia 2, and it really delivers. It doesn’t just rehash the original; it genuinely expands the world we fell in love with and tackles some surprisingly complex issues – things like prejudice and how the past impacts the present. But don’t worry, it’s still a really fun, engaging mystery that kids and adults will enjoy. What I especially loved is how the movie builds on Nick and Judy’s relationship, showing us new sides to both of them. It solidifies Zootopia as one of Disney’s most clever and meaningful animated series, and I think it’s a must-see.

The highly anticipated sequel, Zootopia 2, will be released in theaters on November 26th! What are your thoughts? Share your opinions and discuss it with other fans in the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-11-26 23:46