Familiar friends, social themes and laughter await audiences of “Zootopia 2,” out now in theaters from Walt Disney Animation Studios.
In the first film of this series, released in 2016, we met Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin), who becomes the first bunny police officer in the city of Zootopia. Highly underestimated, she partners with a fox con artist, Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) to solve a case of missing predator animals that begins to threaten the harmony of the diverse animal city.
In the sequel, Hopps and Wilde are now partners on the police force. After a police chase causes widespread damage throughout the city, they are benched to work through their partnership, but are determined to prove themselves as detectives.
The sequel is co-directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, who directed the first film alongside Rich Moore. Bush and Howard also worked on the beloved 2021 Disney film “Encanto” alongside Charise Castro Smith.
In “Zootopia 2,” Hopps and Wilde find evidence of snakes in the city, who are not allowed in Zootopia and haven’t been there for years. Following the trail, they meet Gary De’Snake (Ke Huy Quan), who wants to bring his family back home to the city. This begins an adventure that explores the dark history of Zootopia and how snakes and other reptiles became outcasts in the first place.
The first Zootopia film was a bit darker, leaning heavily into themes such as prejudice, discrimination, and biases. The sequel is lighter but also takes on prejudice, as well as systemic oppression and the impact of propaganda—making it a timely film for our current political climate.
We also get a glimpse into Hopps and Wilde’s friendship and partnership. With the odds stacked against them, they face not only external challenges, but are also learning how to navigate their own team. Their relationship is a great example of how differences can serve as strengths when facing a common goal.
In its nearly two-hour run time, “Zootopia 2” carries the heart of the first film alongside new characters and neighborhoods. It balances difficult political and social dynamics with laughter, making it a perfect family film. (And be sure to stay seated for the end credits and post-credits scenes!)
Samantha Smith is a writer who serves the Archdiocese of Atlanta as a communications strategist. Connect with Samantha by following her on Substack at “The Soulful Scene,” and on Medium.
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