by Charles Kirkland, Jr.
Brave rabbit cop Judy Hopps and her friend, the fox Nick Wilde, team up again to crack a new case, the most perilous and intricate of their careers, in Zootopia 2.
Fresh off their recent success, rookie officers Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde find themselves underestimated by nearly everyone on the Zootopia police force. Their colleagues chalk their victory up to beginner’s luck, and things only get worse when the duo bungles the closing of a case they were not assigned to investigate. To save their budding careers and their partnership, they are sent to a counseling program designed for mismatched officers. Their options are clear: fix their differences and learn to function as a team, or be permanently split up. Meanwhile, a mysterious new adversary emerges, threatening not only the city’s upcoming centennial celebration but the future of Zootopia itself. Can Nick and Judy put aside their differences in time to save the day again?
Zootopia 2, written by Jared Bush, reunites Jason Bateman and Ginnifer Goodwin as Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps. They are joined by an impressive supporting cast that includes Ke Huy Quan, Fortune Feimster, Andy Samberg, David Strathairn, Danny Trejo, and Quinta Brunson. Returning from the first film are Bonnie Hunt, Don Lake, Jenny Slate, and Idris Elba. The sequel is co-directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard.
The voice cast extends well beyond its core ensemble. The film is packed with cameos from across the entertainment landscape. Wrestlers CM Punk and Roman Reigns lend their voices, as do actors Jean Reno, June Squibb, Alan Tudyk, Michael J. Fox, and comedians Yvette Nicole Brown and Cecily Strong. It feels as if nearly every corner of the industry wanted to be part of this sequel. Most significant is the presence of the late Tom “Tiny” Lister Jr., whose role in the film marks his final performance. Lister passed away five years ago, and his inclusion, achieved through AI-assisted voice technology, has sparked controversy. Directors Howard and Bush frame the decision as a tribute, although reactions may vary.
Zootopia 2 essentially picks up where the first film left off. Hopps and Wilde are still new partners, still figuring out the job, and still stumbling through the quirks of working with someone completely unlike themselves. Judy remains the hyper-focused optimist, and Nick is the sly, quick-witted fox who sees every angle. This time, however, the tension between them is not just playful banter. It is a genuine obstacle they must overcome.
The first film centered on themes of diversity, bias, and the importance of valuing one another. Those ideas remain present, but the sequel shifts its thematic lens. Here, the focus is on coexistence—the challenging but crucial work of recognizing each other’s worth, communicating honestly, and bridging differences. These are heavy ideas, especially for a children’s movie, yet Zootopia 2 presents them with surprising clarity and accessibility. One standout moment involves a heartfelt therapy session between Judy and Nick, depicted in a way children can easily understand. It models, and may even encourage, healthy conversations among families outside the theater.
Like its predecessor, Zootopia 2 is far deeper and smarter than it initially appears. On the surface, it is an energetic, brightly colored action comedy that often surpasses the first film in terms of spectacle and humor. Its many cameos and clever nods, including a memorable sequence inspired by The Shining, keep even seasoned viewers engaged. There is so much happening visually and thematically that one viewing is hardly enough to catch it all.
Rated PG for action, violence, and rude humor, Zootopia 2 arrives during a year dominated by popular anime franchises such as Chainsaw Man, K-Pop Demon Hunters, and Demon Slayer. Amid these intense, stylized series, Zootopia 2 stands out as a lighter, family-friendly alternative that offers excitement without sacrificing safety for younger children. It is a film that rewards repeat viewings, yet remains satisfying and enjoyable in a single sitting.
Zootopia 2 is in theaters starting November 26, 2025.
Grade: A-
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