On February 9, 2023, Disney CEO Bob Iger revealed during the company’s Q1 earnings call that Zootopia 2 is officially in development. He shared, “We’re thrilled to confirm that sequels are in progress for some of our most cherished animated series, including Toy Story, Frozen, and Zootopia.” Iger also expressed his excitement about expanding Disney’s legendary franchises, promising more details to come soon.
The original Zootopia movie, released in 2016, grossed over $1 billion worldwide, following the success of Frozen and Toy Story 4. However, the announcement also came amid some negative company news, including a significant restructuring plan that involved cutting $5.5 billion from Disney’s budget and laying off 7,000 employees.
With Zootopia 2 now officially in development, here’s what we know so far.
Zootopia 2 Release Date and Competition
Zootopia 2 is set for release in theaters on November 26, 2025, almost a decade after the first film’s debut in 2016. This release will see stiff competition, with Wicked Part Two from Universal releasing the same weekend. Another notable animated film, David, a faith-based musical from Angel Studios, will hit theaters just a week earlier on November 21, 2025.
In addition to Zootopia 2, other Disney and Pixar sequels like Inside Out 2, Moana 2, Frozen 3, and Toy Story 5 are also in the pipeline.
After its theatrical run, Zootopia 2 will eventually be available for streaming on Disney+.
Trailer for Zootopia 2?
Currently, there is no trailer for Zootopia 2, as the film is still over a year away from its release. It’s possible that some early footage might be shown at the D23 Expo in August 2024, though this has not been confirmed yet.
Plot Expectations for Zootopia 2
While official plot details remain under wraps, it’s safe to assume that Zootopia 2 will feature the return of its beloved main characters, Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. As the stars of the franchise, they are sure to be at the heart of the sequel. The movie is expected to follow their continued adventures, with Judy now a respected officer in the Zootopia Police Department (ZPD) and Nick as the first-ever fox to join the force. Their comedic yet caring dynamic will likely drive the story, filled with fresh challenges, new characters, and exciting missions.
In the first Zootopia, Judy, a rabbit determined to prove herself, becomes the city’s first-ever bunny police officer. When she gets involved in a complex case, she teams up with Nick Wilde, a street-smart fox, despite their contrasting personalities. The film is known for its clever exploration of themes like diversity and tolerance, wrapped in a buddy cop plot with plenty of humor.
The Making of Zootopia
The concept for Zootopia began when director Byron Howard pitched six story ideas to Disney Animation. Three of them included animal characters, and Howard, along with screenwriter Jared Bush, later developed the idea into a buddy cop story set in a city populated entirely by anthropomorphic animals. The film initially envisioned a spy plot but shifted focus to a more contemporary police procedural, with Judy as the determined protagonist and Nick as her foil.
What to Expect from Zootopia 2 Cast
While official casting for Zootopia 2 hasn’t been announced, it would be surprising if the iconic duo, Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman), were not to return.
Judy is a determined rabbit who becomes the first of her kind to join the ZPD, overcoming skepticism from her community and proving her worth as a police officer. Meanwhile, Nick is a sly fox with a complicated past who starts as a small-time con artist but becomes an unlikely ally to Judy.
Zootopia+ and Other Spin-offs
Alongside the highly anticipated Zootopia 2, there was also a Zootopia spin-off series titled Zootopia+, released on Disney+ in November 2022. Created by the original filmmakers Byron Howard, Jared Bush, and Rich Moore, the show expands on the world of Zootopia, diving deeper into the lives of secondary characters. Some of the featured characters include the newlywed arctic shrew Fru Fru, the tiger dancers from Gazelle’s (Shakira) concert, and Flash the sloth.
Conclusion
While Zootopia 2 is still in early stages of production, fans can expect a return to the whimsical, yet thought-provoking world of Zootopia, with its favorite characters in tow. The sequel promises to continue the franchise’s blend of adventure, comedy, and socially relevant themes, while exploring new territories in its ever-expanding universe.
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