I’m usually not one to root for sequels when the original movie stands well enough on its own. But with an inventive franchise like “Zootopia,” which earned critical acclaim (and an Oscar) for turning a clever story about animated mammals into a meaningful message about racism and prejudice, I think we can make an exception.
Especially when its sequel has just as much, if not more, to say about a flawed society at a time when a lot of films are not brave enough to call out our own so plainly.
“Zootopia 2,” a delightful follow-up to the 2016 original, picks up just a week after the events of the first film. It reunites our favorite buddy-cop bunny-fox duo, Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) — the former criminal now part of the Zootopia police force — as they take on a new conspiracy case that digs into the real history of Zootopia.
Not the one that many have been led to believe by the powerful Lynxley family, whose patriarch, Ebenezer Lynxley, is credited for creating the “weather walls” that allow the city’s mammals — sans all the reptiles that were banished after a deadly “snake attack” 100 years ago — and their various climates to coexist.
But is he the true inventor?
That’s the mystery that drives the sequel’s story, which Judy, Nick and their new unlikely comrade, a blue pit viper named Gary De’Snake (warmly voiced by Ke Huy Quan), are determined to get to the bottom of. That, plus the real reason snakes and every other reptile live in exile outside of Zootopia.
Without giving too much of the movie’s brilliant reveals away, “Zootopia 2” introduces a host of new characters — including a conspiracy theorist beaver podcaster named Nibbles Maplestick (the hilarious Fortune Feimster) — a ton of fun Easter eggs and another weighty plot that doubles down on why this franchise is both sharp and endearing.
The backstory of Gary’s family and the true founder of Zootopia’s greatest invention (and essentially the city itself) drives home another allegorical message about discrimination, segregation, equality and colonization.
Again, not what you’d typically expect from a movie with a kid audience, but this sequel is a reminder that animation doesn’t have to equate to juvenile messaging. Nor does it have to choose between humor and a heavy topic.
Like the original, “Zootopia 2” succeeds at both in a way that’s fitting for a heartfelt Disney movie and a film deeply invested in its social commentary.
In the short time since its release, “Zootopia 2” has quickly become another hit for the franchise, both at the box office and with audiences who were quick to sing its praises:
Zootopia 2 is, confidently, Disney’s BEST sequel to date. The charm from the original is still there, and more action packed and heart warming. Nick and Judy are lowkey one of the best duos in the Disney library. Also that Ratatouille reference was peak. pic.twitter.com/QKzTyA0aVx
— shriji (@shrijicol) November 25, 2025
Zootopia 2 might be the best Disney sequel ever, or at least the only one I loved as much as the original
Story, plot, animation/music, new characters, references, dynamic between Nick and Judy, all great
Just genuinely so fun to watch
DISNEY DIDN’T FUCK THIS ONE UP THANK GOD pic.twitter.com/hk5xwI5EmN
— Colin (@IntroSpecktive) November 29, 2025
Zootopia 2 is an interesting case where I think the sequel actually improves exponentially on its original. The original is great absolutely but man this one is..
A sequel from Disney that actually exceeds it’s OG I’m in awe man they cooked. pic.twitter.com/RXzSGBd7gr
— ✨DJ Warner🔮 (@DJWarnerStage) November 27, 2025
Just got back from watching Zootopia 2.
That’s how you do a sequel, Disney. It’s their best animated movie since Encanto.
Fourth time’s (Ralph Breaks the Internet, Frozen II, Moana 2) the charm, folks. pic.twitter.com/K3BnN4Omhb
— Av ☁️ 🦃 (@MarioEmmet) December 3, 2025
I’m more than impressed how Zootopia 2 a sequel made 9 years later, ties so perfectly to its predecessor, it actually forms a complete story with a beginning middle and end
— Etch Zoot Enjoyer 🐍💥 Z2 Spoilers (@sketching204) November 29, 2025
ZOOTOPIA 2 is a banger. Surprise of the year for me.
— Sean Fennessey (@SeanFennessey) November 25, 2025
While it may not be a completely perfect sequel (there may be one too many animal puns), “Zootopia 2” sticks the landing on its big idea. Hopefully, for our sake, it won’t be its last.
“Zootopia 2” is in theaters now.
