Zootopia 2: A Stellar Sequel To An Underrated Animated Gem

The original Zootopia, released back in 2016, was an underrated hit from Walt Disney Animation Studios and one that has continued to gain traction over the following years. A story about different animals living side-by-side in the titular city, how the film reflected our society made it feel refreshing and opened up an avenue for the filmmakers to tackle some real issues and address some serious themes. Beautiful animation and a meaningful story, along with the vocal pairing of Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman, made the film stand out then, and even more so now considering the litany of animated features that have come after. Suffice it to say that a sequel, the aptly-titled Zootopia 2, couldn’t have arrived at a better time. Still as beautiful and impactful as the original, the follow-up finds a way to improve over the original, delivering a sprawling adventure for younger audiences and more than enough substance and subtle humor for adults to enjoy. Goodwin, Bateman, franchise newcomer Ke Huy Quan, and the rest of the film’s diverse and talented voice cast help bring this world once again to life, adding further dimensions to explore. An ode to the power of community, that is only the beginning in terms of messaging, tackling racism, prejudice, and anti-fascism among others.

Picking up from the original film, Zootopia 2 sees rookie cops Judy Hopps (Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Bateman) trying to make their mark on the police department. Partners, Judy’s trademark exuberance remained, a trait which often got the pair in trouble in the eyes of Chief Bogo (Idris Elba). Being a bunny in the midst of the other, more imposing members of the Zootopia Police Department, the desperation of wanting so badly to prove herself in spite of her physical flaws fueled her to operate beyond her means. Wilde, meanwhile, was along for the ride, offering his support, advice, and the occasional quip, but, for the most part, Judy took the lead. A textbook case of opposites attracting, there was something about each that brough them together. That being said, their friendship did not come without issues that needed to be unpacked for them to continue working together as partners. As one more incident put the future of their partnership on the force in jeopardy, Judy and Nick found themselves stumbling onto what may be their biggest case yet. Exploring even more facets of Zootopia, the case would lead them to uncover the truth about the creation of Zootopia and its sordid past.

That sordid past went hand-in-hand with that of snakes, and reptiles, as they were shunned by the rest of Zootopia and portrayed as bad guys. Forced into exile, that narrative held strong and no snake had slithered their way into Zootopia for 100 years, that is until now with the arrival of a snake called Gary De’Snake (Quan). Upsetting the balance, Judy and Nick get wrapped up in Gary’s plan, making them all fugitives from the law. Wanting to do what is right and help the snake, regardless of the repercussions on her and Nick, Judy ran into another situation head first, as Nick followed begrudgingly. Gary merely sought to help his family and restore their good name. However, the forces that be including the Lynxleys, one of Zootopia’s oldest and most prestigious families, aimed to stop them before they uncovered the truth about a secret ingrained in the history of Zootopia. On the run from the authorities, and the seemingly limitless reach of the Lynxley family, there is some tension to be had as their ordeal put Judy and Nick’s friendship to the test. Beyond the tension and the suspense, that arc proved the most compelling but ultimately, that journey would be as individuals through their own adversity.

Viewed as a unit for much of these first two films, developing Judy and Nick further in this latest installment in such a compelling way is a testament to the writing of co-director Jared Bush. He, and co-director Byron Howard, know these characters and this world so well and here, they dig even deeper into that sandbox, not only pushing Judy and Nick forward in realizing how much they really need each other, but also opening up more doors and bringing more of the world of Zootopia to life. Offering plenty of fun twists and turns along the way, the conclusion, while a satisfying culmination of what the film had created up to that point, was never in doubt and when all is set and done, the door is open for more adventures, should it come to that. Though considering the state of the film industry today, a future is likely, and it probably won’t take nine years for the next one.

On an animation level, Zootopia 2 is an improvement over the original film, upgrading with the times and featuring all the color and detail, as well as the sharpness and vibrantness audiences have come to expect from Disney. Offering up new facets and new districts of Zootopia, and new animals like Garry De’Snake, the film also gives audiences more to engage with, visually and emotionally. Similarly, while the world of Zootopia is one thing, the performances from its vast voice cast truly brings it to life. Led by Goodwin and Bateman, Judy and Nick continue to be the franchise’s North Star, affording the story more emotional depth which doesn’t happen too often nowadays. Instead of relying solely on gags and gimmicks to get by, not to say that this film did not have any, but the connection it creates between its characters and audiences will always reign supreme. When it comes to the supporting cast, Quan brings his singular warmth and energy to Garry, and Fortune Feimster is hilarious as a scene-stealing, conspiracy-obsessed podcaster beaver named Nibbles Maplestick, a comic relief character that accompanies Judy and Nick for much of the film.

There just aren’t too many animated films like Zootopia, and Zootopia 2, out there today. An improvement over the original, Zootopia 2 delivers another thrilling adventure for all audiences, offering beautiful animation, strong voice acting, and leaves a meaningful impact.

still courtesy of Disney

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.