• By BOB GARVER rrg251@nyu.edu – Finger Lake Times – 12/04/25

2016 was a great year for animation. Disney gave the world a new musical masterwork in “Moana.” Pixar had its biggest hit up to that point in “Finding Dory.” Even underdog Laika came out with cult classic “Kubo and the Two Strings.” But the winner of the Best Animated Feature Oscar that year wasn’t any of those films. (“Finding Dory” wasn’t even nominated.)

It was another Disney movie, “Zootopia.” It wasn’t a terribly controversial choice, either, with critics and audiences alike praising the film for its more-thoughtful-than-usual look at race relations, symbolized as relations between various species of animals, although usually taking the form of predators vs. prey. The film was so successful, funny, and poignant that at the time I advised Disney to add a whole Zootopia section to their Animal Kingdom theme park.

To date, the property has only gotten a single attraction — a 3D movie in the park’s Tree of Life — but it’s in a key location. Anyway, here’s a look at the less-poignant sequel.

Following the events of the first “Zootopia,” bunny police officer Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) was hailed as a hero, along with her unlikely ally, former con-artist fox Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman). Now both are officially cops, partnered together as a mismatched-on-paper duo that Judy is determined to turn into the superstars of the station. She decides that the best way for the team to make its mark is to bust a smuggling operation without consulting buffalo police chief Bogo (Idris Elba) or even Nick. Poor communication turns the desired bust into, well, a bust, and Judy and Nick soon find themselves at the bottom of the department’s figurative food chain.

Nick wants to wait patiently to get out of the (again, figurative) doghouse, but Judy wants to turn things around immediately, so she doubles down and drags Nick into another unauthorized mission, this time to protect the theft of a book that details how the weather accommodates all the animals in Zootopia. The book belongs to the powerful Lynxley family (of lynxes, naturally), and patriarch Milton (David Strathairn) has graciously decided to display the book at a fancy gala, where Judy interacts with his son, Pawbert (Andy Samberg), the most charmingly awkward runt of a family since Hans from “Frozen.”

The book does indeed get stolen by Gary (Ke Huy Quan), a venomous snake. This is a big deal for the city, as for all its supposed inclusivity, reptiles, especially snakes, have been banished from Zootopia for the last century. Judy and Nick naturally want to stop Gary, but there’s more to the story than a simple book theft. If Gary can just use the book for its intended purpose, he can end the reptile ban and make life better for himself, his family, and his whole class of animals. However, the city at large, including the Lynxleys and stallion mayor Winddancer (Patrick Warburton), are more interested in protecting the accepted truth than the actual one.

Judy and Nick have to rely on unconventional resources like beaver conspiracy theorist Nibbles Maplestick (Fortune Feimster), all while questioning if they really belong as partners after all.

“Zootopia 2” is a fine movie, if missing some of the magic of the first. A few too many gags take the form of terrible puns or played-out schtick, but there are more than enough funny jokes to balance them out. What really dinged the film for me was the idea of the acceptance of the reptilian race hinging on a single piece of information. The Zootopia of the first movie was too complex to rely on outdated concepts like “banishment.” Prejudice, sure, maybe mistreatment, but not black-and-white banishment.

Oversimplified shortcuts like these are why this film can’t measure up to its predecessor. Then again, the world building is still creative and the chemistry among the cast still sharp. It’s a movie that I’m happy to recommend, but as with last year’s “Moana 2,” that happiness is somewhat dulled by remembering the heights that the franchise reached before.

Bob Garver holds a degree in cinema studies from New York University. He has been a movie reviewer since 2006. Find more reviews at www.bobatthemovies.com. Contact Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

======================================================

Zootopia 2 Review: An Emotionally Rich Return to the Wild Side

By Caillou Pettis – December 1, 2025 – 23 min read – The Movies Blog

In Movie Reviews

Nine years after its predecessor became a modern animated classic, Zootopia 2 is a sequel that feels both lovingly familiar and daringly expansive. Produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, this animated buddy-cop comedy doesn’t simply revisit the bustling mammal metropolis for nostalgia’s sake—it deepens the original’s emotional and thematic ambitions in ways that are frequently moving, often funny, and occasionally devastating. With Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman returning in top form, and a roster of inspired new voices led by Ke Huy Quan, the sequel proves that Zootopia still has plenty of heart—and plenty to say.

A World Reopened and a Partnership Tested:

Picking up shortly after the events of 2016’s Zootopia, the story reunites us with Officer Judy Hopps and Officer Nick Wilde as newly minted full-time partners in the Zootopia Police Department. While the original film was about proving that anyone can be anything, this sequel is more interested in what happens after the dream is achieved—when personalities clash, emotional baggage surfaces, and the reality of working side by side begins to test even the strongest bonds. That shift in focus gives Zootopia 2 a more mature, introspective tone without sacrificing the vibrant comedy and adventurous energy fans expect.

The inciting mystery revolves around the emergence of a mysterious reptilian figure connected to Zootopia’s hidden past, pulling Judy and Nick into a citywide conspiracy that stretches back to the very founding of the metropolis. The film cleverly expands the world by introducing new districts, forgotten histories, and marginalized communities that were literally built over. Even while keeping its narrative family-friendly, the sequel tackles ideas of historical erasure, systemic injustice, and the cost of protecting a convenient myth. It’s impressive how naturally these heavy concepts are folded into what remains a fast-moving animated crime caper.

Performances, Emotion, and Expanding the City:

What truly elevates Zootopia 2, however, is its emotional weight. The script by Jared Bush gives Judy and Nick far more interior lives than most animated sequels ever attempt. Their partnership is tested not just by external danger, but by lingering insecurities, mismatched emotional vocabularies, and unresolved fears about trust and identity. The film takes its time letting these tensions breathe, and the result is a relationship that feels textured, lived-in, and painfully human despite the fur and tails. There are multiple stretches where the adventure slows just long enough for the characters’ emotional vulnerabilities to surface—moments that resonate with surprising poignancy.

Goodwin once again grounds Judy with an infectious blend of optimism and brittle self-doubt, allowing the character to feel stronger yet more fragile than ever. Bateman’s Nick, meanwhile, leans harder into the character’s anxieties beneath his sarcastic armor, giving the fox a new layer of vulnerability that is deeply affecting. Their interplay remains electric—sharp, funny, and emotionally charged—but now carries the added weight of two people terrified of what they might lose if they fail one another.

Standout Newcomers:

Among the newcomers, Ke Huy Quan is a standout as Gary De’Snake, a character who immediately commands sympathy and curiosity. Quan brings an aching gentleness to the role, infusing Gary with warmth, humor, and a quiet sadness that makes him far more than a simple plot device. Fortune Feimster injects manic energy and unexpected pathos into Nibbles Maplestick, while Andy Samberg relishes the chance to play against type with gleeful bravado. The returning voice ensemble—Idris Elba, Jenny Slate, Alan Tudyk, and others—slot effortlessly back into the world, giving the sequel a comforting sense of continuity.

As with many a Disney movie, Zootopia 2 is nothing short of stunning. The animation team pushes the original’s already rich design aesthetic into even bolder territory. New environments burst with texture, scale, and imaginative architectural logic, while classic regions of the city feel subtly evolved, reflecting the passage of time. Lighting plays a crucial role in shaping the film’s shifting moods, with colder, shadow-drenched sequences giving way to bursts of dazzling color. The meticulous attention to fur, scales, snow, and water is so detailed that it becomes quietly immersive, making every chase, quiet conversation, and large-scale set piece feel tactile and alive.

Action, Music, and a Deeply Moving Conclusion:

The action sequences are finely paced and consistently inventive, merging slapstick comedy with genuine suspense. The filmmakers never lose sight of spatial clarity, ensuring that the audience always understands where characters are in relation to the danger around them—an increasingly rare achievement in modern animated spectacle. Just as important, these sequences often carry emotional consequences rather than existing purely for visual thrill, reinforcing the film’s commitment to blending heart with adrenaline.

Musically, the score swells with warmth and melancholy in equal measure, underlining the characters’ emotional journeys without becoming intrusive. Shakira’s presence once again adds pop sparkle to the soundscape, while quieter instrumental cues subtly guide the film’s more intimate moments. The emotional beats land with surprising force, aided by restrained musical choices that allow silence and stillness to do much of the work.

A Tender Heart:

What makes Zootopia 2 especially powerful is its willingness to embrace tenderness. For an animated buddy-cop comedy, the film is remarkably sincere in the way it explores fear, guilt, and vulnerability. It acknowledges that doing the right thing often comes at an emotional cost, and that understanding another person—or animal—sometimes requires painful self-reflection. Several scenes are quietly devastating in their honesty, and they linger long after the credits roll. This is easily one of the most emotional films Disney Animation has released in years, not because of overt sentimentality, but because of how truthfully it treats its characters’ inner lives.

The humor remains sharp throughout, balancing the heavier material with the franchise’s signature wit. Visual gags, background jokes, and rapid-fire dialogue keep the tone buoyant without undercutting the seriousness of the story. The film understands exactly when to pivot from comedy to gravity, a tonal tightrope it walks with impressive control.

Overall:

If the film has a minor weakness, it lies in the sheer density of its narrative. There are moments where the story’s many thematic threads threaten to slightly overwhelm the breezy simplicity that defined the original. Some viewers may find the middle stretch especially packed with information. Yet even here, the richness of the world-building and the emotional stakes keep the film engaging rather than exhausting.

Zootopia 2 succeeds because it refuses to be merely a retread. It respects what came before while boldly pushing its characters into more complicated emotional and moral terrain. The sequel expands the world, deepens the relationships, and crafts a mystery that is both entertaining and meaningful. More than that, it reminds audiences—young and old alike—that growth is rarely clean, and that partnerships demand honesty as much as loyalty.

With its lush animation, layered performances, smart social commentary, and genuinely moving emotional arcs, Zootopia 2 stands as one of the strongest animated sequels Disney has ever produced. It is funny, thrilling, thoughtful, and often achingly heartfelt. By the time the final moments play out, the film leaves you not only exhilarated by the adventure, but touched by the quiet truths it reveals about trust, forgiveness, and connection. It’s a richly emotional, visually dazzling, and remarkably mature continuation that proves Zootopia still has extraordinary stories left to tell.

Summary

Zootopia 2 succeeds because it refuses to be merely a retread. It respects what came before while boldly pushing its characters into more complicated emotional and moral terrain. The sequel expands the world, deepens the relationships, and crafts a mystery that is both entertaining and meaningful. More than that, it reminds audiences—young and old alike—that growth is rarely clean, and that partnerships demand honesty as much as loyalty.

=====================================================

Review: “Zootopia 2”

Joe Baress, The Times-Tribune, Scranton, Pa.

Tue, December 2, 2025 at 7:03 PM CST – 10 min read – Yahoo

Rebecca’s Take

2016’s “Zootopia” didn’t stick with me long after I saw it in the theater. But upon a recent rewatch, I realized Disney’s animated buddy comedy about the unlikely partnership between a bunny cop and a fox con artist is utterly delightful.

With its colorful animation, endearing characters and stellar voice cast, the Academy Award-winning cartoon spun an intriguing detective mystery mixed with social commentary. The family film teaches important lessons to children about accepting one another, embracing our differences and disregarding stereotypes.

Nine years later, the excellent “Zootopia 2” expands the vibrant world of the original while further fleshing out its characters and delivering more good messages. The enjoyable sequel is just as fun, clever and emotional as the first film, arresting audiences of all ages.

Though it’s been nearly a decade since “Zootopia” came out, the events in “Zootopia 2” occur just one week after the original. In the bustling city of Zootopia, animals live and work beside one another. The Zootopia Police Department’s newest partner pairing — courageous rookie rabbit Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and her best friend, resourceful fox Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), a con artist turned cop — saved the city in their first case together. After their next case ends in disaster, Judy and Nick are put on notice by the department.

In a shock to the city, the first snake in 100 years — Gary De’Snake (Ke Huy Quan) — arrives in Zootopia seeking to clear his family’s name. Reptiles have a bad reputation, and Gary wants to change things for the better. The earnest Judy and a reluctant Nick decide to help the shunned snake. However, this makes them fugitives, with their lives on the line. As Judy and Nick encounter increasing danger, the partners’ differences — and loyalty to one another — are put to the ultimate test.

Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, “Zootopia 2” is fast-paced and efficient, keeping the action, jokes and life lessons flowing for its young audience. Both the first and second films are listed as an hour and 48 minutes long, but minus the end credits, they’re closer to an hour and 30 minutes. That’s enough time for the films to get their point across while also appealing to kids’ attention spans. Unlike the original, “Zootopia 2” has a post-credits scene, and it hints at where the franchise plans to go next.

Like many sequels, “Zootopia 2” adheres to a similar formula to the first film. Several of its story beats — including the appearance of a “Godfather”-type character — are familiar. The film also borrows inspiration from other Disney properties, including a fun callback to the cantina scene in “Star Wars” and even an emotional moment from “Frozen.” But “Zootopia 2” is still rich in storytelling. The sequel achieves what it sets out to do: It weaves a new adventure while establishing its own identity as part of a bigger world.

The bright, beautifully animated cartoon renders another gripping mystery, with heart-pumping action and laugh-out loud jokes. The eye-popping action sequences take place on various terrains, from a lavish ball on land to mountainous cliffs, to thrilling chases across the water and through the snow. The humor largely lands, including its amusing puns. The smart script keeps moviegoers guessing as it plants seeds and clues while navigating the story’s twists and turns.

The sequel’s biggest strength is Judy and Nick’s evolving relationship. A pairing of opposites, Goodwin and Bateman play off one another brilliantly. Their camaraderie is fantastic. As the ever-optimistic Judy, Goodwin taps into the bunny’s steadfast desire to help others and take chances. Judy is animated to be very expressive — her nose scrunches up whenever she smells a lead, and her ears flop down when confronted. As the down-to-earth Nick, Bateman brings his trademark sarcasm and glass-half-empty perspective. Keeping his feelings close to the vest, the fox’s sly smile comes through whenever he makes a pun.

Judy and Nick’s odd-couple dynamic allows for plenty of comedy, especially as they participate in a “partners therapy” session. But it also allows for emotionally charged drama. Judy’s optimism and Nick’s pessimism are often at odds, and their differences bubble up until they burst through. As a result, the partners must talk through their issues. “Zootopia 2” encourages its characters to acknowledge their feelings and have hard conversations. It’s a great message not only for kids, but for adults, too.

The social consciousness of “Zootopia” continues in “Zootopia 2.” The first film was an allegory for racism, encouraging diversity, inclusion and acceptance. The sequel takes the metaphor further. It looks at reptiles, including snakes, as a targeted group whose land has been gradually taken away from them, putting their way of life at risk. The injustice calls to mind various groups throughout history who have endured similar fates. The film makes the point that in order for things to change, it’s up to us to speak up and do the right thing.

In addition to Goodwin and Bateman, “Zootopia 2” features a stacked voice cast. The Oscar-winning Quan makes an outstanding new addition. As Gary the snake, the actor comes across as wise and soothing. There’s no anger or revenge on Gary’s part as he works to redeem his family — just hope, which Quan conveys beautifully. In fact, Gary could have used even more screentime. Andy Samberg is wonderfully awkward as Pawbert Lynxley, an outsider in a powerful family of lynxes. Samberg brings comedy as well as depth. Comedian Fortune Feimster is a standout as beaver Nibbles Maplestick, an open-minded and knowledgeable reptile expert.

Patrick Warburton is hilarious as a horse actor turned Zootopia’s mayor, Mayor Winddancer. The humorous Nate Torrence returns as doughnut-loving police officer Clawhauser. The cheetah has one of the funniest moments in the film, involving a dreaded captcha.

Entertaining for kids and adults alike, “Zootopia 2” cracks the case on making a worthwhile animated sequel. The long-awaited “Zootopia” follow-up maintains the high standard set by its predecessor. As funny as it is heartfelt, the gorgeously rendered adventure pulls out the jokes just as much as it tugs on moviegoers’ hearts, featuring a welcome reunion between Goodwin and Bateman. Though it may have taken its story cues from the original, the superb sequel does the additional work to develop its characters and impart more life lessons.

“Zootopia 2” grossed $556 million worldwide over Thanksgiving weekend, earning the best global opening ever for an animated film. Hopefully it won’t take another nine years to get the next film in this creatively clever franchise.

4.5 out of 5 stars

=====================================================

Joe’s Take

“Zootopia” was a smash hit in 2016, pulling in more than $1 billion. It proved an excellent film, and finally its sequel hit theaters Thanksgiving week. Usually, the idea of a sequel is a little scary — especially nine years later — but Disney Animation has a pretty good track record with its follow-up films. 2018’s “Ralph Breaks the Internet” is a solid sequel, as is “Frozen 2.” If you extend that within the studio to Pixar, all the “Toy Story” films are anywhere from strong to phenomenal and 2013’s “Monsters University,” 2016’s “Finding Dory,” 2018’s “The Incredibles 2” and 2024’s “Inside Out 2” are solid. If you extend that to animation in general, 2023’s “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” 2022’s “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” and the “How to Train Your Dragon” and “Shrek” sequels are all excellent to name a few.

Certainly why studios love animated sequels is because of the money they can pull in, as “Zootopia 2” already grossed $556 million worldwide in its opening weekend. However, they don’t slack on the quality and maybe that’s why they take their time on these to get them right. And “Zootopia 2” is certainly a slam dunk.

The animation is once again gorgeous, bursting with color. The detail in the characters are incredible, making them feel tangible. Also what makes animation great is its ability to show characters’ emotions without having them speak. The facial expressions, body language and work with simply the eyes of characters add so much to the emotional weight of a scene, whether it’s comedic, dramatic or action-packed. The world of Zootopia expands and is a treat for the eyes with its diverse landscapes. The animation keeps the audience engaged by itself.

Ginnifer Goodwin (Judy Hopps) and Jason Bateman (Nick Wilde) return for more outstanding voice work as the two leads. Bateman impressed, as his character’s role evolved from the snarky sarcasm of the first film. As Wilde becomes closer to Hopps, Bateman taps into his emotions and brings the film together. The standout newcomer is Ke Huy Quan (Gary De’Snake). He’s an adorable actor who brings his sweet voice to a misunderstood character. He really stands out during an emotional and powerful scene in the climax. Fortune Feimster (Nibbles Maplestick) is another standout newcomer, providing plenty of laughs.

Andy Samberg fits in nicely, bringing his voice talent to the awkward Pawbert Lynxley, Patrick Warburton’s (Mayor Winddancer) iconic voice belongs in every movie, David Strathairn (Milton Lynxley) brings his gravelly voice to a shady role and Danny Trejo (Jesus) shines in a small part.

These films are certainly for the kids, but the key to their success critically and financially is making these movies for the whole family. “Zootopia 2” does that, sprinkling in adult humor and making references to past Disney films that the adults watched when they were younger. Also, the messaging and themes resonate with everyone. From the beginning, “Zootopia” has been about how we can all live together and not judging people by how they look. The sequel expands upon that, choosing reptiles as the animals everyone is prejudiced against. Much like Indiana Jones, I’m afraid of snakes, so this was the perfect choice for me.

Also, I really enjoyed what the film explored about the partnership between Hopps and Wilde when it comes to talking about your feelings, needing to prove yourself without thinking of the cost and finding what is truly important. These are just great and engaging themes that can resonate with kids and adults. I certainly felt all the emotions as a 35-year-old.

The film also has a great pace and is a good length at one hour and 48 minutes, the same as its predecessor.

The sequel is on par with the original in pretty much every way except that the second film does not have an iconic, laugh-out-loud moment like the first film. The scene with the sloths running the DMV is incredibly funny and so memorable. Flash (Raymond S. Persi) does return in the sequel for a small part, but the film didn’t produce a hilarious scene like the first film.

“Zootopia 2” does everything a good sequel should do. It expands the world, evolves the characters and focuses on making one good film instead of setting up eight more. The animation is gorgeous, the voice work proves excellent from the returners to the newcomers and the story resonates. Bring on a third movie because this franchise has a vision worth continuing.

4.5 out of 5 stars

===================================================

Zootopia 2’ Review: Where Disney’s Critter-Driven Cartoon Favored Mammals, Its Reptile-Inclusive Sequel Tips the Scales

Whatever you think of snakes, Ke Huy Quan’s blue pit viper makes an endearing addition to the ‘Zooptopia’ menagerie, which remains centered on mismatched partners Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps.

By Peter Debruge – 11/25/25 – Variety

Nine years is a lifetime for foxes and hares. But it’s also the ideal space between installments in a thoughtful animated franchise (see “Inside Out 2”). Back in 2016, Disney’s wildly popular “Zootopia” showed vulnerable species trying to get along with those that might normally attempt to eat them. Now, the toon studio’s well-crafted follow-up focuses on a different kind of predator: greedy land grabbers.

To say more might spoil the mystery, and that would be a shame, as it’s one of the things that makes “Zootopia 2” such a worthy successor. Both that film and its horizon-extending sequel plug anthropomorphic characters of all shapes, sizes and speeds (the sloth is back) into classic “Chinatown”-style detective stories, populating adult-caliber plots with appealing, kid-friendly critters.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Draws Record 34 Million Viewers on NBC, Peacock in Early Numbers

Formally partnering unlikely heroes Judy Hopps (a rabbit rookie, anxiously voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (the smooth-talking con artist Jason Bateman plays with foxy nonchalance), “Zootopia 2” is more of a bunny … er, buddy movie than its predecessor. Chief Bogo (Idris Elba), the gruff Cape buffalo in charge, had skeptically embraced the idea of keeping these anything-but-uniform police officers on a team dominated by rhinos, razorbacks and other alpha species. But all it takes is one big mistake to land the pair on probation.

Behind the scenes, another reunion is taking place, this one between “Zootopia” co-directors Byron Howard and Jared Bush (who was promoted to chief creative officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios last year). Having shepherded the first movie, the two Disney vets know the world — with its four central quadrants (Savanna Central, Sahara Square, the Rainforest District and Tundratown) and many uncharted corners — better than anyone.

Lest one forget, in this kumbaya animal haven, high-tech climate walls make it possible for polar bears and desert hippos to inhabit adjacent districts. But such utopian intentions don’t mean that different species necessarily click, as Nick and Judy demonstrate. Being a loner by nature, he doesn’t care, whereas she cares far too much — which makes them poorly matched compadres, amusingly illustrated by the “Partners in Crisis” therapy session Bogo obliges them to attend early on.

Where “Zootopia” was about these two learning to trust one another, its sequel concerns the trickier goal of mutual respect. That may not sound as promising, though Bush (to whom the screenplay is credited) approaches Nick and Judy’s dysfunctional partnership as if they were newlyweds still adjusting to one another’s idiosyncrasies — a rich recipe for constant screwball disputes. These movies are comedies first and crime-film homages second, but it’s their tertiary value as social commentary that makes the franchise so indispensable: Behind the laughs are teachable moments.

As for those indispensable climate walls, it’s revealed that the original patent was filed by the wealthy Lynxley clan — elegant felines who look like they stepped straight out of “Succession,” and voiced by the likes of David Strathairn, Macauley Culkin and Andy Samberg (the latter plays runt-of-the-litter Pawbert). A Lynxley family relic will soon go on display at an arctic fundraiser, and quick-study Judy — who’s the only one here doing actual detective work — believes someone with scales is planning to steal it.

She’s not wrong: The film’s most endearing addition is Gary De’Snake (Ke Huy Quan), a goofy blue pit viper with a faint lisp and superfast lasso skills (which come in handy for a creature without hands). Before Gary crashes the party, the gala seems as good a place as any to unleash a new Shakira song, “Zoo,” performed by the pop star’s glamorous alter ego, Gazelle. The subsequent heist sets the bar high in a film that seldom slows down, swooping through herds of characters in elaborate locations to pull off increasingly complicated set-pieces.

Technologically speaking, many of these sequences simply wouldn’t have been possible nine years ago. Packed with detail, the crowd scenes are so rich, it will take repeat viewings to spot even half the jokes. Meanwhile, the chase through Marsh Market ranks among the most complicated sequences Disney Animation has ever pulled off. Cramming puns and pop-culture nods into every frame (from a “Ratatouille” reference to a DVD pirate selling furry takes on Disney titles), Howard and Bush steer us through all-new neighborhoods, providing fresh insights into oft-stereotyped critters along the way — tortoises, lizards and venomous snakes in particular.

This poses a challenge, since the “Zootopia” ensemble was already fairly robust: How to work in fan favorites while still leaving room for original characters? The godfather-like arctic shrew Mr. Big is back, as is Flash, the sloth, both ready to help at just the right moment. In addition to attention-hogging equine mayor Winddancer (Patrick Warburton), there are also Swiss-sounding mountain goats (the two directors supply their exaggerated German accents) and a podcasting beaver named Nibbles Maplestick (the always funny Fortune Feimster), whose taste for dry wood is surpassed only by her appetite for a juicy conspiracy.

With the “Zootopia” movies, there’s seldom any doubt that while Nick and Judy have our attention, life is teeming just out of frame — which naturally suggests an infinite number of stories might be told in Zootopia’s seemingly incompatible zones. Although the nuances may have changed, the franchise’s message remains one of peaceful coexistence. That challenge, as any child can tell you, applies every bit as strongly to humans as it does to the animals who struggle so mightily to get along in these movies.

“Reptiles are people too,” goes the sequel’s anti-discriminatory takeaway. Fish and fowl are still largely absent, which gives this Disney franchise room to grow. It’s a small world, after all. But if there was any mystery to whether the creative team could sustain Zootopia’s charms, Nick and Judy have effectively put our minds to rest.

‘Zootopia 2’ Review: Where Disney’s Critter-Driven Cartoon Favored Mammals, Its Reptile-Inclusive Sequel Tips the Scales

Reviewed at Samuel Goldwyn Theater, Los Angeles, Nov. 15, 2025. MPA Rating: PG. Running time: 108 MIN.

• Production: (Animated) A Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures release and presentation of a Walt Disney Animation Studios production. Producer: Yvett Merino. Exeuctive producers: Jared Bush, Jennifer Lee.
• Crew: Directors: Jared Bush, Byron Howard. Screenplay: Jared Bush. Music: Michael Giacchino.
• With: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Ke Huy Quan, Fortune Feimster, Andy Samberg, Patrick Warburton, Idris Elba, Bonnie Hunt, Don Lake, Maurice LaMarche, Nate Torrence, Raymond S. Persi, Shakira, David Strathairn, Quinta Brunson.