Zootropolis 2
Zootropolis was a smash hit for Disney in 2016, winning the Best Animated Feature Oscar. It followed Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) in pursuit of her dream of becoming the first bunny cop on the Zootropolis Police Department (ZPD). She quickly found herself at the heart of a conspiracy and a case that put the whole city in danger. Judy found an unlikely ally in the shape of Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), a criminal fox, the two proving a formidable duo. Now, close to a decade later, we pick up almost immediately after the events of the first film with Judy and Nick now a ZPD duo, keen to leave their mark.
While the pair saved the city in their first outing, there are questions about Nick and Judy’s compatibility, given their differing backgrounds and life experiences. This adds an extra dynamic. While our pair try to figure out their differences and learn to work together, they must also solve a new mystery around the city’s anniversary and a hidden secret that threatens to unearth new long-buried information on its history. What links the elusive Gary De’Snake (Ke Huy Quan) to the prominent Lynxley family, who want to expand their Tundra town empire?
The first 30 minutes or so feel a tad too similar to the original as we are reintroduced to concepts and characters, but once it hits its stride, there are plenty of novel ideas to make this an enjoyable thrill ride. New areas like the vibrant waterways of Marsh Market and an alpine-inspired mountain region help to expand the universe and add fresh flavours. There are again nods aplenty to adult movies, including The Silence of the Lambs and The Shining: while these may go over the heads of youngsters, they will strike a chord with parents and grandparents.
Goodwin and Bateman continue to delight as Judy and Nick, cleverly flipping their roles and giving Nick more of a prominent role. The new voice roles from Quan and Andy Samberg particularly impress.
Zootropolis 2 is a creative sequel that avoids falling into traps other Disney follow-ups have fallen into, wonderfully expanding the world fans fell in love with in 2016. It is a laugh-out-loud, action-packed and surprisingly emotional entry that justifies the ten-year wait. It seems inevitable that a third film will be on the way before long. This is one of the best Disney sequels in recent memory.
Christopher Connor
Zootropolis 2 is released nationwide on 28th November 2025.
Watch the trailer for Zootropolis 2 here:
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