Zootopia 2 Review: A Warm, Clever, and Long-Awaited Return to a Modern Disney Classic

Zootopia 2 is a sequel worth the wait.

Walt Disney Animation Studios finally returns to its modern classic with Zootopia 2, and the new chapter delivers the same spark, heart, and emotional punch that made the original an instant favorite. The first film captured audiences with its clever world-building and grounded message. Now, nearly a decade later, the sequel proves the franchise has lost none of its charm.

I have waited years for another trip into Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde’s world, and this new film pulled me right back into everything I loved the first time. The sequel picks up immediately after the first film ends, a choice that pays off with a smooth continuation of tone, momentum, and character development.

A Mystery That Expands the World of Zootopia

In Zootopia 2, Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) are now rookie officers assigned to a new case after the arrival of Gary De’Snake, voiced with playful menace by Ke Huy Quan. His arrival sends a ripple through the city as unexplained incidents begin turning Zootopia upside down.

The investigation pushes Judy and Nick into new corners of the metropolis. The pair go undercover in new environments that showcase both the animators’ inventiveness and the depth of the city’s cultures and subcultures. The introduction of reptiles, along with the humor surrounding their mannerisms, habits, and personalities, adds a fun new layer to the franchise.

A Packed and Powerful Ensemble

Ke Huy Quan absolutely steals the show in his first major Disney animated role, but the cast around him is just as electric. Fortune Feimster delivers some of the film’s biggest laughs, Idris Elba slips right back into his role with authority, and Andy Samberg brings a perfectly chaotic spark. Patrick Warburton, as always, nails his moments with that signature deadpan charm.

Samberg’s Pawbert Lynxley is a genuine standout, while Feimster’s Cajun-flavored Nibbles Maplestick might be one of the funniest new characters this series has added.

The rest of the ensemble shines too. Shakira returns as Gazelle, and fans get a pair of unexpected treats with Joe Anoa’i and CM Punk voicing the hysterical “ZEBros.” Plus, Danny Trejo shows up as one unforgettable lizard — and trust me, you’ll know him the second you hear him.

Pure Immersion in IMAX

Watching the film in IMAX was a stunning experience. Animated films do not always get their due in premium formats, but Zootopia 2 proves how immersive the medium can be. The city’s neighborhoods feel expansive, textured, and full of life. Every sign, storefront, and background gag is crafted with care. This is a movie I cannot wait to revisit on Disney+ to pause and catch every easter egg, parody, and visual joke. One example is ZooLoo, their version of Hulu, complete with hilarious knockoff posters like “PLATYPUS” riffing on Alien.

A Story With Heart and Humanity

Even with its talking animals, the sequel delivers an emotional core that feels deeply human. Judy and Nick’s partnership remains the heartbeat of the series. Their dynamic is thoughtful, funny, and full of respect. The film also examines identity, fear, community, and the impact of unexpected change, giving the mystery weight beyond its surface thrills.

A Bright Future for the Franchise

Fans who waited years for this sequel will feel rewarded. The film ends with a clear tease for Zootopia 3, and the franchise feels more alive than ever. This world has endless potential. This is Disney’s Toy Story for a new generation, and the studio should start treating it that way.

Verdict:

Zootopia 2 is funny, heartfelt, and visually rich. Some pacing issues keep it just shy of perfection, but the film is absolutely worth the wait. It reminds viewers why this world became so beloved and why we should spend more time in it.

Zootopia 2 releases in theaters on November 26.

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