Zootopia 2 Review: A Disney Movie Sequel Done Right
Disney’s Zootopia 2 had a tall order to fill. The 2016 original was lightning in a bottle—a witty, heartfelt, deeply imaginative blockbuster that introduced audiences to one of Disney Animation’s most richly realized worlds in years. So it’s a pleasure, and frankly a relief, to report that the sequel is not only a worthy follow-up, but also a zippy, colorful, and surprisingly introspective buddy-cop adventure that expands the franchise in fur-nomenal new directions.
Right from the opening frames, it’s clear the animators have gone absolutely hog wild with detail. The city of Zootopia has always been a bustling metropolis of species-specific neighborhoods, clever design, and blink-and-you-miss-it visual gags. This sequel doubles down on that lived-in feeling, filling every street corner with tiny background touches that remind you this isn’t a human world with animal faces slapped on; it’s a fully functioning society built for paws, claws, hooves, and tails.
It’s that expanded worldbuilding that gives the sequel a distinct identity. While the first film touched on interspecies politics, Zootopia 2 digs deeper into why certain animals—most notably reptiles—have been largely absent from the city’s day-to-day life. Enter Gary De’Snake, voiced with delightful slipperiness by Ke Huy Quan, whose sudden arrival in Zootopia sets off a chain reaction of suspicion, fear, and bureaucratic chaos. Quan is clearly having a blast, imbuing Gary with warmth, humor, and an unpredictable charm. Every line slithers with personality.
But Gary isn’t the only new face. Fortune Feimster steals several scenes as Nibbles Maplestick, a beaver that brings such a delightful energy to the chaotic ecosystem. And Patrick Warburton, as actor-turned-mayor Winddancer, is inspired casting. His booming, self-important delivery fits the character like fur to a bear. Warburton is such a natural in animation that every time he speaks, it’s hard not to let out a chuckle. A couple of moments might even have you neighing with laughter.
Surprisingly, though, the movie’s biggest shake-up isn’t the reptile storyline; it’s the dynamic between the franchise’s beloved leads. Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) return with the same charisma and chemistry that made them instant favorites. But this time, the film opens with a clever subversion: despite their “match made in hare-ven” reputation, Judy and Nick are not operating at peak partnership. They bicker. They second-guess each other. Their rhythms are off. In short, they’re acting like every real-world duo that’s maybe spent a little too much time together.
This light friction becomes the film’s emotional backbone. After being framed for a crime linked to Gary, Judy and Nick find themselves fugitives from their own department. It’s a fresh twist, turning the city’s best cops into prey on the run, and it fundamentally changes how they relate to each other. Judy is out of her depth, but much like the original, she knows there’s something going on underneath the surface, and she must uncover it all before it’s too late.
Their early “couples therapy” session is a comedic high point, pairing them with other police partners who absolutely do not get along. The whole sequence is hilarious, with the addition of Quinta Brunson (of Abbott Elementary fame) voicing the role of Dr. Fuzzby, a quokka who serves as their therapist. I was howling with laughter for much of the scene. Judy and Nick’s journey becomes a surprisingly tender exploration of what it means to maintain a partnership rather than simply fall into one.
Still, this is a Zootopia film, and it never forgets to prioritize fun, laughs, and adrenaline. The action sequences are bigger, faster, and more inventive than anything in the first movie. One early car chase is a standout, zipping through multiple animal districts with breathless creativity. The constant chasing creates a consistent energy throughout the film. It’s a movie bursting with excitement and fun, but even during the quieter dialogue scenes, there’s always more to uncover.
The comedy is equally on point, with rapid-fire visual gags and animal puns galore. Bateman’s dry humor remains impeccable, while Goodwin brings a winning earnestness that grounds even the most chaotic scenes. And Quan proves once again that he can elevate any role he touches; Gary might just be the standout supporting character of the whole franchise. Throw in a few movie references designed solely for the parents in the audience and you’re in for a treat. And make sure to stay for the credits. The filmmakers have sprinkled the cast list with surprise celebrity cameos (one in particular nearly caused my popcorn to go flying).
If there’s a flaw in the film, it’s simply the inevitable: it doesn’t reach the thematic heights of the original. Few sequels do. The first movie has a lot of real-world parallels surrounding racism and discrimination. This sequel has one idea surrounding the displacement of people from their homes, and that’s a theme that can be applied to many places, from history to the present, even if it feels like a smaller part of the story. But what it does offer is a wildly entertaining, humorous, and heart-filled expansion of a world audiences already adore. As far as Disney sequels go, this is confidently one of the stronger efforts—full of charm, creativity, and enough emotional bite to justify its existence.
Zootopia 2 may not surpass its predecessor, but it doesn’t need to. It just needs to delight, and it does that in spades. Kids will love the energy, parents will appreciate the layers, and everyone will leave eager for a possible third chapter. In short, if you’re looking for a movie that’s fast, funny, vibrant, and filled to the brim with animal personality, this sequel is absolutely the pick of the litter.
SCORE: 8/10
As ComingSoon’s review policy explains, a score of 8 equates to “Great.” While there are a few minor issues, this score means that the art succeeds at its goal and leaves a memorable impact.
Disclosure: ComingSoon attended a press screening for our Zootopia 2 review.
Source: Comingsoon.net