After a nine-year wait since the release of its first movie in 2016, “Zootopia 2” arrived in theaters on Nov. 26, offering an even better continuation of the beloved childhood film. Animated by Walt Disney Studios and directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, the sequel continues its world building with the elements of community, justice and friendship in a utopian city for animals.
The main character, officer Judy Hopps, voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin, returns alongside her partner Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman). The pair work together to protect the utopian city while reptiles remain excluded from its borders.
At a fancy gala after the chase of a criminal, the plot finally begins with Judy and Nick discovering a book tied to the Lynx family. The book’s explanation of the city’s habitat-assigning system is intriguing and offers a continuation of the film’s world-building additions that exposes tension already built from the first movie. The partners once again question the very foundations of the city and it pushes their relationship into a conflict in an intriguing way.
The sequel also introduces new characters such as Gary, a pit viper voiced by Oscar winner actor Ke Huy Quan, who becomes central to the story as he challenges assumptions made about reptiles. Nibbles, a conspiracy podcaster voiced by Fortune Feimster, Pawbert of the Lynx family (Andy Samberg) and new mayor Brian Winddancer (Patrick Warburto) each introduce fresh perspectives.
As Judy and Nick investigate, they uncover corruption tied to elitism, discrimination and the separation of species by climate. Gary proved innocent as someone who simply wanted to help his family and pushed the city to confront its prejudice. The partners ultimately expose the truth about Zootopia and prove that reptiles are not inherently dangerous, an echo of the first film’s criticism of the city’s discrimination of predators.
Although the film hinted at a possible romance between Judy and Nick, the story continues directly after the first movie, leaving little room for it to develop. Fans remain split on whether the moment felt incomplete and hope to see more development if there is a third movie.
With strong world building and engaging themes of reformation and unity, “Zootopia 2” succeeds as a compelling follow up. Its balance of humor, heart and social commentary earns it a 9 out of 10.
