Zootopia 2 is set to hit theaters on November 26. The Disney Animation sequel arrives nine years after the original film and is written by Jared Bush, who also co-directs alongside Byron Howard. The voice cast includes Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Ke Huy Quan, Fortune Feimster, Andy Samberg, David Strathairn, Idris Elba, Shakira, Patrick Warburton, and Quinta Brunson.
Picking up after the biggest case in Zootopia’s history, rookie cops Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde discover that their partnership isn’t as solid as they thought when Chief Bogo assigns them to the “Partners in Crisis” counseling program. But their relationship is soon tested on a twisting new mystery, centered around the arrival of a venomous snake in the bustling animal metropolis.
It’s hard to believe nine years have passed since the original. I still vividly remember renting it on DVD from a Redbox at a completely different address. When Zootopia+ arrived on Disney+, I wondered why a sequel hadn’t come sooner. Now, three years later, we finally have one. Fans of the first film will enjoy more of what made it great, along with some intriguing backstory about Zootopia itself—though at times, recycling the things that made the original great holds the story back from reaching its full potential.
I rewatched the first Zootopia before seeing the sequel, starting it the night before and finishing the next morning. It holds up even better than I remembered, with iconic scenes that remain memorable today. The sequel begins in a way that feels reminiscent of the first, even revisiting its ending. At first, I shrugged it off as a natural nod after nine years—after all, the original is a beloved classic that few could have forgotten. But the film continues to lean on reminders of its predecessor. While the sequel stands on its own, it still lives in the shadow of the first.
The same applies to the humor. I love the first film’s humor: original, fresh, and layered, offering something for both kids and adults. The sequel delivers solid laughs as well, but again, much of it lives in the first film’s shadow. Callbacks try to feel new, but they ultimately echo the same beats that made the original so memorable.
There’s still plenty to enjoy in the sequel. It’s wonderful to see the core cast return, joined by some excellent new additions that feel perfectly suited to their characters. Ke Huy Quan is a standout, and I hope his role returns in the inevitable third installment. While somewhat predictable, I enjoyed immediately recognizing Andy Samberg’s voice—once again, perfectly matched to his character.
The animation retains its signature texture but looks more stunning than ever. The film features breathtaking, adventure-style set pieces that feel entirely distinct from the first movie, giving both entries their own memorable visual identity. The best way I can describe these sequences is that they reminded me of the thrill of playing a PlayStation 3 game like Uncharted for the first time—dynamic, immersive, and full of wonder.
When I thought about what a Zootopia sequel could explore, I didn’t expect it to dive into the origins of the city, which was a pleasant surprise. The themes of unity from the first film remain intact, but this installment takes a slightly different approach—encouraging kids not to be afraid of things that initially scare them and to welcome newcomers into their “pack.”
By the time the film ended, I enjoyed it for what it was, though I couldn’t shake a sense of underwhelm about what it could have been. At its core, the sequel follows the same structure as the original. Looking ahead, I’m not sure how well the franchise can continue if it keeps relying on callbacks, familiar humor, and the same formula. Unlike Toy Story 2, which took bold narrative risks, this film plays it completely safe—but it still manages to be genuinely fun along the way.
Overall, Zootopia 2 is poised to be a hit when it hits theaters. It has all the ingredients for a thoroughly entertaining experience—sharp humor, breathtaking set pieces, and lively, dynamic voice performances. Fans of the first film, like myself, will no doubt enjoy returning to this world, though the sequel’s tendency to live in the original’s shadow may leave some craving a bolder, more original story.
VERDICT: 3.5/5 – Pretty Good
The Creative Cinematic Collection 
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