'Zootopia 2' Review
- Tyler Strandberg
- Dec 28, 2025
- 3 min read
Release Date: 11/26/25 [Cinemas]
Genre: Action. Adventure. Comedy. Crime.
MPAA: Rated PG.
Distributor: Walt Disney Studios.
The Verdict: A Must-See
Disney has undeniably been riding a commercial high lately, but calling it a creative wave feels generous. Rather than forging bold new stories, the studio has leaned heavily on recycling its own catalog, repackaging familiar titles as live action remakes or sequels designed to cash in on nostalgia. Just in the last year, Moana 2 and the live action Lilo & Stitch both crossed the billion dollar mark, less a testament to innovation than to the strength of the Disney brand itself. With profits like that, it was inevitable the studio would mine another proven hit from 2016, returning to Zootopia, an original success that once felt like a refreshing step forward rather than another asset waiting to be exploited.
I’ll admit, I walked into Zootopia 2 with a fair amount of anxiety. Yes, Disney’s recent sequels and remakes have dominated the box office, but their critical track records have been far shakier, and this year’s Snow White managed the rare feat of being both a critical disappointment and a financial flop. That made my reaction to Zootopia 2 all the more refreshing. Not only is it a blast to watch, it is genuinely strong storytelling. Disney sticks the landing by deepening the original film’s themes while confidently branching into new ideas, all without losing sight of what made the world work in the first place. The film opens up previously unseen corners of the city, letting the setting feel bigger, richer, and more alive than ever, and in doing so, makes the future of this series feel exciting and wide open.
Set just one week after the events of Zootopia, Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), has officially traded his hustler days for a badge, joining the police force as the partner for Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin). Judy, ever ambitious and full of energy, is more than ready to dive headfirst into another high stakes case. What begins as a glittering gala celebrating Zootopia’s founder quickly takes a sharp turn, as the duo stumble upon a buried secret that peels back the city’s cheerful surface and exposes a far darker chapter in its history.
Early on, the film makes a striking point that reptiles exist almost entirely in the shadows of Zootopia, whispered about more than seen, with some species absent from the city for hundreds of years. The idea immediately echoes the first film’s revelation that predators make up only ten percent of the population, grounding the story once again in Zootopia’s larger social allegory. As a metaphor for racism, it becomes clear where Zootopia 2 is headed, shifting the focus to a newly marginalized group. While that setup could easily feel like a simple repeat of the original film’s themes, it instead widens the lens. The story recognizes that prejudice is not a one size fits all experience, and that any world, fictional or otherwise, can hold more than one group pushed to the margins at the same time.
Because the film widens its scope, Zootopia 2 digs deeper into the many layers of racism, moving beyond surface level prejudice to explore issues like gentrification, forced displacement, and immigration. It thoughtfully guides us through the spaces these marginalized communities carve out for themselves, highlighting the color, creativity, and sense of belonging that flourish there, while also acknowledging how jarring those spaces can feel to outsiders. For a movie aimed primarily at kids, the message lands with surprising clarity and warmth. There is nothing to fear in what you do not yet understand, and stepping into unfamiliar cultures and communities does more than broaden perspective. It builds empathy, curiosity, and a stronger sense of connection to the world around you.
The only real downside to the film is that, at times, it can feel a bit familiar. It is still a buddy cop mystery, so some overlap in structure and plot progression is almost inevitable. That format is largely tied to how Disney has chosen to approach the series, and there is only so far it can stretch without breaking. Even then, the expanded world, the introduction of new characters, and a story that continues to grow the universe far outweigh the occasional predictability, making it an easy trade off.
Despite my early apprehension, Zootopia 2 ended up being a genuinely fun and satisfying addition to Disney’s lineup. Watching it in a theater felt like part of the magic, and while it may be tempting to wait for it to land on Disney+, this is one worth catching on the big screen as soon as you can. Its blend of humor, heart, and thoughtful themes makes it a standout among this year’s releases, and it leaves me excited to see where Disney chooses to take this world next.
