The original Zootropolis was a major hit for Disney. Praised for its clever world-building, heartfelt characters, and timely themes, the film even went on to win an Oscar for best animation in 2017. Now, nearly a decade later, the story continues with Zootropolis 2, a sequel that revisits the city’s beloved heroes while expanding the world in bold new directions.
Known as Zootopia 2 in the U.S. and Zootropolis 2 across the UK and parts of Europe — a branding change made during the first film’s release due to trademark conflicts — the follow-up once again blends buddy-cop energy with smart social commentary.
Picking up after the events of the original film, the story sends the unlikely detective duo Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde (voiced again with heartfelt charm and quick wit by Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman) on a brand new case that turns the city upside down. When a mysterious reptile starts leaving chaos in his wake, the pair venture deeper into Zootropolis than ever before, diving into hidden neighbourhoods, forgotten boroughs, and unusual subcultures as they race to stop a crisis no mammal saw coming.
That reptile is Gary De’Snake, a pit viper brought to surprisingly sympathetic life by Ke Huy Quan. Far from a bona fide villain, Gary’s motives are intertwined with his family and his survival in a society that still struggles to understand non-mammals. Quan’s performance is one of the clear standout elements of the film: warm, slippery (in the best way), and layered with emotional nuance. His presence expands the lore of Zootropolis significantly, introducing reptile culture and customs that feel both imaginative and thoughtfully integrated.
The supporting cast remains stacked and lively. Idris Elba returns as the eternally exasperated Chief Bogo, Shakira pops back in as megastar Gazelle, and Nate Torrence once again charms as the ever-bubbly Benjamin Clawhauser. Andy Samberg and David Strathairn as Pawbert and Milton Lynxley, a father-and-son duo with ties to the case; and Patrick Warburton as the charismatic but slightly clueless Mayor Brian Winddancer. Quinta Brunson brings warm comedic energy as Dr. Fuzzby, Judy and Nick’s department-assigned “partnership therapist,”.
What elevates Zootropolis 2 above a routine sequel is the richer dynamic between Judy and Nick. Their partnership—now more trusting, yet more tested—receives deeper development. The humour is also faster, darker, and even more pun-packed than the original, yet the film never loses its heart. The visuals remain dazzling, Michael Giacchino’s score is energetic, and the mystery is genuinely compelling.
