The first Zootopia was a pleasant surprise—an animated Disney film bold enough to explore themes of bias and discrimination, while still being playful, clever, and packed with unforgettable jokes (the DMV sloth scene still lives rent-free in everyone’s mind). Nearly a decade later, Zootopia 2 arrives, and while it’s enjoyable, it doesn’t reach the same heights. The sequel feels safer, softer, and less daring, relying mainly on the charm of its beloved leads: Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and fox-turned-cop Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman). Now rookie police partners—affectionately nicknamed “the fuzz”—they remain the heart of the story.
A Softer Sequel with Fewer Edges
The original wasn’t a razor-sharp satire, but it still carried bite. Here, that edge feels dulled. Nick’s past as a hustler barely matters, and quirky side characters from the first film are noticeably absent. Finnick, Nick’s tiny fennec fox partner-in-crime, appears only briefly. Tommy Chong’s hilarious nudist yak? Gone. Zootopia feels cleaner and more polished—as if a wave of gentrification swept through its animal-filled streets.
Directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, Zootopia 2 plays like many late sequels: familiar, fun, but slightly watered down. Yet the partnership between Judy and Nick continues to shine, giving families plenty to enjoy—colorful characters, lively action scenes, and beautifully animated cityscapes.
Nick Wilde Still Steals the Spotlight
Jason Bateman delivers one of the best performances of his film career as Nick Wilde. His dry humor, sly charm, and hidden sweetness make the fox unforgettable. Even in a gentler sequel, Bateman’s comedic timing—especially with lines about rugs made from skunk fur—remains pitch perfect.
A Mystery That Digs Into Zootopia’s Roots
Trying to prove themselves as detectives, Judy and Nick accidentally destroy half the city during a chase, earning them a spot in a mandatory therapy group for dysfunctional partners. The film focuses heavily on communication, understanding differences, and revisiting the foundation of Zootopia’s animal society.
One major reveal: snakes have long been banned from entering the city. As Zootopia prepares its centennial celebration, Judy discovers clues suggesting a conspiracy to keep snakes out. When she and Nick encounter a harmless snake named Gary De’Snake (Ke Huy Quan), they realize the truth: snakes aren’t the monsters everyone assumes.
Their investigation leads to a scandal involving the wealthy Lynxley family, who control the massive weather walls that shape the city’s separate climates. Not even Pawbert Lynxley (Andy Samberg) fully trusts his own family’s motives.
Puns, Easter Eggs, and New Critters
The movie still delivers fun wordplay and pop culture nods—Gnu Jersey, Burning Mammal, a Shining reference, and a quick wink at Ratatouille. Shakira returns as Gazelle, and new characters include Nibbles Maplestick, a chatty beaver podcaster, and a majestic stallion mayor voiced by Patrick Warburton.
Judy and Nick’s journey takes them through a snake-friendly New Orleans-inspired district and back to snowy Tundratown. While entertaining, these detours mean less time in the bustling city that made the original so enchanting.
A Fun Adventure, Though Tamer Than the First
For a story that originally celebrated the chaos and diversity of big-city life, Zootopia 2 spends surprisingly little time in Zootopia itself. Even Nick feels less wild—more emotional, less mischievous. The sequel still has spark, but not the same scrappy energy that made the first film so special.
Still, it’s a warm, enjoyable family movie—full of animals, humor, teamwork, and Disney charm.
Zootopia 2, released by Walt Disney Co., is rated PG for action/violence and rude humor. Running time: 108 minutes. Rated 2.5 out of 4 stars.