Film Review: Zootopia 2 – SLUG Magazine

Film

Zootopia 2
Directors: Jared Bush, Byron Howard
Walt Disney Animation Studios
In Theaters: 11.26.2025

I’ll freely admit that I’m a sucker for anything animated that features talking animals. Disney’s The Jungle Book was literally the first movie I ever saw in my life and I really struggle to process the idea that there are people out there who didn’t like Zootopia. The mixture of fuzzy, furry friends with the ‘80s buddy cop homage and a healthy dose of not-so-subtle social commentary really did it for me. By virtue of being a sequel, Zootopia 2 is understandably going to have a higher number of detractors, but I won’t be among them.

Zootopia 2 picks up roughly within a year of the events of the first film, with Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin, Walk The Line, Once Upon A Time) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman, Arrested Development, Ozark) struggling in their now-official police partnership, bickering so much they’re forced into “partner therapy.” Their latest case begins with the arrival of Gary De’Snake (Oscar-winner Ke Huy Quan, Everything Everywhere All At Once), a mysterious pit viper whose sudden appearance sparks citywide panic. When a high-profile kidnapping at the crime at the Zootennial Gala (a celebration of 100 years since the city was founded) points to Gary, Judy and Nick give chase — only to uncover a buried chapter of Zootopia’s past involving a long-hidden reptile community. As they flee both criminals and their own department, the duo learns that Gary’s motives may not be what they appear to be. This case proves to be the ultimate test of Judy and Nick’s ability to work together, and if they don’t learn to put their differences aside and trust each other’s instincts, their investigation may be over before it even begins.

The plotting gets a bit convoluted, and the “bigger is better” formula that tends to be standard for sequels threatens to get the “better” of the movie at times. But only at times. On the whole, Zootopia 2 is filled with enough high energy fun that it works even when it’s not completely sure where it’s going. A good deal of this comes down to Nick and Judy, who rank up there with Disney’s most likable classic characters, and share such a charming dynamic that they are always a treat to watch. The movie builds on that dynamic and the complexities of their friendship and working relationship, and even runs into the almost inevitable question: is there potential for more than a professional, or even friendship-based relationship between a bunny and a fox? While it’s never directly addressed, it’s hard to escape the feeling that there’s a mutual interspecies attraction here the likes of which is generally reserved for frogs and pigs. I honestly don’t think even writer and co-director Jared Bush knows exactly where this relationship is going to go in the clearly teased Zootopia 3, but what matters is that we care so much about them as characters that whatever the bond is between them, we’re solidly invested in seeing it through and rooting for them. Goodwin and Bateman are simply marvelous, and the perennially lovable Quan is a very welcome addition as Gary, as is Andy Samberg (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) as Pawbert Lynxley, the unwanted, screw-up member of Zootopia’s most powerful family.

Zooptopia 2 is a delightful family adventure with a lot of heart and creativity, and it’s perfect holiday weekend moviegoing. If it’s not your thing, it’s not your thing, but for everyone else, it’s a joyful and exhilarating experience. —Patrick Gibbs

Read more film reviews from Patrick Gibbs:
Film Review: Eternity
Film Review: Rental Family