Nine years is a long gap between films, and whether that much time was truly needed to bring Zootopia 2 to theatres is debatable. I suspect Disney pushed for a release rather than waiting for genuine creative inspiration. Even so, what arrives on screen is a handsome continuation, expanding its world-building while revisiting familiar ideas of segregation within a society of animals that prides itself on being “civilized.” Fear continues to simmer beneath the surface, particularly around questions of supremacy and who ultimately becomes the victim.
The tension between predator and prey remains central. As Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) inch closer to acknowledging romantic feelings, both hesitate—not because of personal uncertainty, but because of what species they are. These narrative beats align naturally with the world the franchise has built, yet they also raise a familiar question: do we really need another animated parable echoing Animal Farm? The committee-created world led by Jared Bush and Byron Howard (who also directs) never pushes its ideas into full dystopia, but the thematic shadows are unmistakably present.
A larger cast of returning voice actors delivers a lively and often charming mix of characterizations, and the film remains heartfelt. Still, the spark that defined the original isn’t fully recaptured. The sense of danger never feels as immediate, particularly for Judy. While she and Nick now operate as full partners dispensing justice, the spectre of the first film’s illegal serum trade still lingers. When the duo is framed for wrongdoing, they’re forced to clear their names by tracking down Gary De’Snake (Ke Huy Quan).
Structurally, the adventure echoes the lighter hijinks of Beverly Hills Cop, though it’s closer to the later entries than the early films that trusted audiences with sharper humour. At times, Zootopia 2 feels less like a crime story and more like 90210 with predators and prey—relationship hesitation and emotional stalling taking priority over genuine danger. That comparison highlights the core issue: this is sequel comfort food.
What’s crafted here isn’t bad. Timing, however, matters. The process of assembling the right creative forces—much like trying to revive TRON—can take ages. The world remains appealing, but the sense of urgency that once made it shine has dulled. It recalls what happened with Big Hero Six; rather than sustaining interest through a timely television run, Disney waited.
Likewise, unlike The Secret Life of Pets, which capitalized on its popularity while it was still culturally warm, this sequel arrives like a conversation that’s already moved on. What remains is something undeniably cute and competently crafted, but hesitant to take risks. At this point, I’d rather spend my money on Illumination than Disney.
3 Stars out of 5
Zootopia 2 Movie Trailer
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