On Nov. 26, Disney fans were welcomed back to the enchanting city of Zootopia with the release of “Zootopia 2.” The first “Zootopia” movie was released on March 4, 2016, marking nine years since the last film came out. I was 11 years old when I first stepped foot into the city of Zootopia, and returning at 20 seems like it has been too long. 

Many sequels of late have been less than stellar and often seem like a desperate attempt to keep the fandom alive. Going into this movie, I was worried that this might be the same. Walking into the theater, I was greeted by the cutest pop-ups with the characters in cut-outs, where you could almost integrate yourself into the advertisement. Walking to the concession stand, there were popcorn buckets with fox ears and other Zootopia-themed items. 

The movie follows the familiar sarcastic Nick Wilde, voiced by Jason Bateman, who joins peppy Judy Hopps, voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin, as an officer in the Zootopia Police Department. The film picks up after the success of the last mission from “Zootopia,” when the dynamic duo saves the predators of Zootopia and uncovers Mayor Bellweathers (Jenny Slate)’s scheme. Now they are eager to prove that they are not one-hit wonders and that they truly are the dynamic duo that they believe themselves to be. 

Hopps and Wilde are under a lot of pressure from the other teams in the ZPD. One of the most notable being the Zebros, voiced by WWE stars CM Punk and Roman Reigns. As Hopps and Wilde get sidelined by Chief Bogo (Idris Elba), they get wind of what could potentially be another career-making case. 

The team is divided by Wilde’s desire to play it safe and lay low and Judy’s need to prove that they belong in the ZPD. The team begins to dissolve from dynamic to dysfunctional as Judy uncovers more news. A snake has been smuggled into Zootopia. Snakes have not been seen in Zootopia in years. The snake is named Gary De’Snake and is voiced by Ke Huy Quan. Ke Huy Quan has appeared in many other films, such as “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” and “Kung Fu Panda 4”. “Zootopia 2” was an action-packed film, taking viewers all over Zootopia to places not seen before in the other film. 

Returning to Zootopia nine years later feels like growing up with the characters. Many students are preparing to join the workforce full-time and learning to balance various aspects of life, such as work, family, school and maintaining a social life. Watching Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde struggle with these things as well was a comforting reminder that struggle is a part of growing up, and just because we are older doesn’t mean we won’t still mess up or have problems. Growing and learning how to solve conflicts, alongside the characters, while watching them open up about life with each other was such a comforting moment.

“Zootopia 2” was truly an amazing experience, packed with laughter, fun and a few tears. It was overall a great time. It is a movie that is great to watch with family and friends. “Zootopia 2” comes out on Disney+ in March 2026, or see it at your local movie theater.

Tags: Review

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