--- title: "Zootopia 2" year: 2025 kind: "film" canonical: "https://film.one/film/zootopia-2" fi1m_id: "zootopia-2" imdb_id: "tt26443597" tmdb_id: 1084242 wikidata_id: "Q116764712" fi1m_score: 70 critics_score: 73 critics_reviews: 16 published: "2026-09-09" updated: "2026-09-18T08:37:47.480387+00:00" region: "US" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Zootopia 2 (2025) Directed by Jared Bush, Byron Howard · 1h 48m · MPA PG · Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Mystery, Family ## Identity Zootopia 2 - **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/zootopia-2 - **Type:** Film - **Fi1m ID:** zootopia-2 - **IMDb ID:** tt26443597 - **TMDB ID:** 1084242 - **Wikidata ID:** Q116764712 - **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26443597/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1084242, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q116764712 **Fi1m score: 70** · Critics 73 from 16 reviews *In a sentence:* A buddy-cop film that sends the buddies to therapy, and the snake still gets the best lines > Howard and Bush’s sequel is quick, dense and often funny, and Ke Huy Quan’s Gary De’Snake is Disney’s best new character in some time. The mystery around him is busier and less sure-footed than the first film’s. ## Synopsis Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin), the rabbit who became Zootopia’s first small-animal police officer, is now partnered with Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), the fox she once had to talk into the job. They are still learning to work together, and the department is not convinced they can. Their case arrives in the shape of Gary De’Snake (Ke Huy Quan), a reptile in a city where reptiles are not welcome and are barely acknowledged to exist. Following him takes the pair into new districts, towards a wealthy family called the Lynxleys (Andy Samberg, David Strathairn), and past a beaver with theories (Fortune Feimster). Idris Elba’s Chief Bogo and Shakira’s Gazelle return. Byron Howard and Jared Bush direct. ## Review Nine years after *Zootopia* (2016), the film Britain saw as *Zootropolis*, Byron Howard and Jared Bush return to the city where predators and prey share pavements and nobody has quite settled who is in charge. Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) are partners now, and not good ones yet. A snake called Gary De’Snake (Ke Huy Quan) turns up in a place that has no room for reptiles, and the two of them follow him into a conspiracy involving old money. It is a fast, well-made, over-stuffed 108 minutes, and it is worth an evening if the first one was. The partnership is where the film is surest. Bush’s script, sensibly, does not pretend Judy and Nick have arrived anywhere; she still runs at everything and he still stands slightly to one side of it, and the department’s answer is to make them sit down and talk about it with Quinta Brunson’s Dr. Fuzzby. Goodwin plays Judy’s optimism as a kind of stubbornness, which is the right choice, and Bateman gives Nick the weary timing he has been refining since television. Their scenes together are the ones we would watch again. Gary is the best thing in it, and it is not close. Ke Huy Quan voices him as an anxious, eager, apologetic creature who says sorry before anyone has accused him of anything, and the animators give him a face that manages hope and dread at once. The film’s point about who a city decides to forget is made entirely through him, and it is made better through him than through any speech. We laughed out loud, in a room full of children who were also laughing, at the sheer politeness of him. We were also, at one point, surprised to find ourselves upset on his behalf, and that is the film working exactly as intended. Cory Loftis’s production design expands the city sideways, and the new districts are drawn with the same density as the old ones: signage, textures, animals of every size using the same doorway. Tyler J. Kupferer and Daniel Rice shoot the chases like a live-action unit would, low and close and slightly behind, so that the scale of a rabbit against a rhino is always felt. Michael Giacchino’s score leans on brass and a walking bass line, which is the buddy-cop joke stated in music, and it lands. Jeremy Milton cuts the whole thing quickly. Sometimes too quickly: two of the set pieces move so fast we lost track of who was holding what, and the younger children near us gave up and waited for the next bit. The trouble is the case. The first film’s mystery was small and clean and each clue told us something about the city. This one has more suspects, more districts, more history, and less shape. Andy Samberg’s Pawbert Lynxley and David Strathairn’s Milton Lynxley are given a great deal to say and not much to be. Fortune Feimster’s Nibbles Maplestick has a running gag about conspiracy theories that the film enjoys more than we did. Around the hour mark the plot starts explaining itself in earnest, and we noticed we were waiting for Gary to come back. The old cast are kept busy without being given anything new. Idris Elba’s Chief Bogo glowers as required. Nate Torrence’s Clawhauser is still delighted by everything. Shakira’s Gazelle returns, and Patrick Warburton voices a Mayor Winddancer in the tone Patrick Warburton voices everything, which we mean as a compliment. Danny Trejo turns up as a character called Jesús for reasons the film finds funnier than it should. Against the studio’s own record, this sits in the good middle. It is a great deal better than a sequel that exists because a spreadsheet said so, and a little short of the first film, which knew what its mystery was for. Take the children; take yourself. When the plot gets loud, look at the snake. It runs 108 minutes and carries a PG. *Fi1m score 70, published 9 September 2026.* ## What the critics say Most critics like it, and the spread is fairly narrow: thirteen positive notices, two mixed, one outright dismissal. The praise clusters on the same things. The pairing of Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde is still the reason to watch, and the new snake, Gary De’Snake, is singled out again and again as the best addition. The sight gags, animal puns and the detail of the expanded city draw warm words, and several reviews find the sequel sharper than the original on prejudice, now widened to take in reptiles. The reservations cluster too. The whodunit plot is judged less tight than the 2016 film’s, a few critics find the chases too frantic to follow, and more than one says the story goes through the motions. The AV Club thinks the animation flatter and the film closer to a television episode. The Guardian is the lone dissenter, calling it soulless, formulaic and fit only for background noise. ## Straight answers **Is Zootopia 2 worth watching?** *Zootopia 2* is worth an evening for families and for anyone who liked the first film, and we scored it 70. Ke Huy Quan's anxious, apologetic snake Gary De'Snake is the best thing in it, and the therapy scenes between Judy and Nick are the ones we would watch again. The mystery around him is busier and less sure-footed than before, and the plot gets loud around the hour mark. **How long is Zootopia 2, and what is it rated?** *Zootopia 2* runs 1h 48m and is rated PG by the MPA in the US. It is an animation and adventure film. **Where can I watch Zootopia 2 in the US?** *Zootopia 2* is streaming on Disney+ in the US, and it is also available to rent from Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV from $3.99. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service. **How does Zootopia 2 compare to Zootopia?** *Zootopia 2* is a little short of [*Zootopia*](https://film.one/film/zootopia), the original film, which knew what its mystery was for. The first film's case is smaller and cleaner, with every clue telling us something about the city; the sequel has more suspects, more districts and less shape. The sequel wins on one count, a snake voiced by Ke Huy Quan who is the better new character, so start with the original and see this one for him. **What should I watch after Zootopia 2?** After *Zootopia 2*, try [*Zootopia*](https://film.one/film/zootopia) (2016, Fi1m 82): The original: a smaller, cleaner mystery where every clue is about the city. Then [*Who Framed Roger Rabbit*](https://film.one/film/who-framed-roger-rabbit) (1988, Fi1m 89): A hard-boiled detective, a cartoon partner, and a city that despises one of them; and [*Paddington 2*](https://film.one/film/paddington-2) (2017, Fi1m 91): A polite outsider, a wrongful accusation, and jokes for every age on the sofa. ### Reviews we read (23) - **RogerEbert.com**, Nell Minow (90/100, inferred): Nell Minow calls the film pure delight, every bit as exciting and heartwarming as the original and maybe even funnier. She singles out its gorgeous design and ode to friendship, community, and open-mindedness in a world of diverse animals. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/zootopia-2-movie-review-2025) - **Radio Times**, Kevin Harley (4/5): This fast and funny buddy-cop conspiracy romp brims with sight gags, in-jokes and a richly realised world, building on the original with charm, energy and witty genre nods. Predictable twists are offset by a winning lead pairing, pacey chases and deftly handled messages about prejudice. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-0y1kp0/zootropolis-2/) - **Slant Magazine** (80/100, inferred): The winning sequel improves on its predecessor by adding deeper layers to its social commentary on prejudice and power. The critic praises the clever visual gags, animal puns, and expanded statement on the dangers of intolerance without sacrificing charm or humor. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/zootopia-2-review/) - **The Independent**, Clarisse Loughrey (80/100, inferred): The critic finds it a fun and witty sequel that improves on the original. They single out the thoughtful reframing of the racism metaphor and the new character Gary De’Snake for praise. [Read](https://independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/zootropolis-2-movie-review-b2872048.html) - **The Telegraph** (4/5): Disney returns to form with this sequel that sticks to the winning formula while adding enough fresh tweaks. The animation, character design and humorous set-pieces stand out as proof of the studio's skill. [Read](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/2025/11/25/disney-zootropolis-2-film-review/) - **Time Out**, Phil de Semlyen (4/5): The critic calls it a bouncy, buoyant and adorably fluffy animated sequel that delivers fun sidekick antics and prejudice-busting teamwork via a venomous but gentle snake character. The plot falls short of the original's noir ingenuity and may confuse younger viewers, but strong voice performances and an imaginative world keep it engaging. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/zootopia-2-review-2025) - **Vulture**, Alison Willmore (80/100, inferred): The film is funny, zippy, and highly enjoyable with real heart and care behind the central bond. The critic highlights the undeniable interspecies romantic chemistry between the leads as its central theme. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/article/zootopia-2-review-the-furries-were-right.html) - **Empire**, Helen O’Hara (70/100, inferred): The critic calls it still a blast to visit but notes it loses sight of its heroes amid the city’s bustle. They single out the visual gags, chases and new additions like Gary for praise. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/zootropolis-2/) - **The AV Club**, Caroline Siede (B-): The sequel feels stagnant and more like a TV show than an epic, with flatter animation and a less focused approach than its predecessor. The critic singles out the fresh, specific subplot about reptile prejudice and erased communities as the one stellar element. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/zootopia-2-review) - **Screen Daily** (55/100, inferred): The review finds the sequel less nimble than the 2016 original at balancing action, comedy and commentary, with a whodunit plot that fails to engage fully despite the central partnership's emotional payoff. Humour is hit-or-miss, but the heartfelt message about accepting differences should appeal to family audiences. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/zootopia-2-review-jason-bateman-and-ginnifer-goodwin-return-for-underpowered-animated-sequel/5211333.article) - **The Guardian** (40/100, inferred): The sequel is a soulless, formulaic family comedy that feels algorithmically generated and corporately approved. It offers a few laughs but lacks heart and soul, suitable mainly as background entertainment for children. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/nov/25/zootropolis-2-review-just-about-passable-family-comedy-sequel-might-as-well-be-ai-generated) - **Financial Times**, Jonathan Romney (★★★☆☆): The film is a fairly faithful reprise of the original but less sophisticated, with brisk humour and dependable value. Some action is frenetically accelerated and hard to follow. [Read](https://www.ft.com/content/523a4c19-7215-41e6-8463-92d14b9ef355) - **IndieWire**, Kate Erbland: The long-awaited sequel is a true delight packed with clever jokes and meaningful messages for all ages. The critic praises its pro-equality, anti-racist themes alongside the humor and hopes for a quicker follow-up. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/zootopia-2-disney-movie-review-sequel-1235162027/) - **Los Angeles Times**, Carlos Aguilar: Carlos Aguilar deems it Disney’s most effective animated sequel yet, with a punchier, more focused approach to mature ideas. He singles out the nuanced expressiveness of the animation and the timely exploration of real-world issues like displacement and injustice through the animal lens. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2025-11-25/zootopia-2-review-disney-animation-jason-bateman-ginnifer-goodwin-ke-huy-quan) - **The Hollywood Reporter**, Frank Scheck: The sequel is well worth the wait and a blast of a buddy-cop movie, full of dazzling visuals, sophisticated humor, and genuine emotion. The critic singles out the steady stream of hysterical gags beautifully orchestrated by the directors. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/zootopia-2-review-jason-bateman-ginnifer-goodwin-disney-1236434563/) - **The Times** (★★★★☆): This perky and amusing sequel is exuberantly animated and deliciously voiced. Supporting characters and puns provide particular delight in the animal-city mystery. [Read](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/film/article/zootropolis-2-review-perky-puns-and-colonial-theory-for-kids-jtmd30w8q) - **Variety**, Peter Debruge: Peter Debruge finds it a worthy successor that sustains the franchise’s charms with a reptile-inclusive expansion. He singles out the endearing new character Gary De’Snake and the inventive, detail-packed set pieces and social commentary. [Read](https://variety.com/2025/film/reviews/zootopia-2-review-disney-1236587603/) - **Collider**, Therese Lacson (8/10): The critic praises it as a strong sequel that expands the world with new characters and deeper themes of discrimination. Singles out Gary De'Snake as a great new addition and the expanded lore. [Read](https://collider.com/zootopia-2-review-disney-jason-bateman-ginnifer-goodwin/) - **/Film**, BJ Colangelo (8/10): The critic calls it a strong sequel that lives up to the original, an all-time great for Disney and one of the best buddy-cop films in years. They highlight the evolution of Judy and Nick's partnership along with the rich new lands and characters in the expanded world. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/2035824/zootopia-2-movie-review/) - **Polygon**, Sam Nelson (80/100, inferred): The critic notes it tackles tough issues with humor and heart, blending political messaging with gags and visuals. Praises the ambitious moral message and vibrant world, but notes it's not as narratively tight as the original. [Read](https://www.polygon.com/zootopia-2-review-disney/) - **The Wrap** (70/100, inferred): The sequel is a mostly entertaining expansion of the original's world and themes but does not break new ground. It effectively continues the conversation about bias and inclusion while introducing reptiles into the mix, though one supporting character is singled out as a misfire for peddling conspiracy theories. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/zootopia-2-review-disney/) - **Eye for Film**, Jennie Kermode (50/100, inferred): The critic calls it a serviceable family film that will please kids attached to the characters or drawn to mysteries. They praise the detailed animation and rich world-building but note a lack of passion and find it dull for older viewers. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/zootopia-2-2025-film-review-by-jennie-kermode) - **Den of Geek**, David Crow (3 out of 5): The critic finds it a solid buddy comedy sequel that excels in the chemistry and banter between Hopps and Wilde, especially in couple-like scenarios, but notes the story feels like more of the same and goes through the motions. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/zootopia-2-review-disney-buddy-comedy/) ## Details - **Director:** Jared Bush, Byron Howard - **Director:** Jared Bush, Byron Howard - **Writer:** Jared Bush - **Cinematography:** Tyler J. Kupferer, Daniel Rice - **Editor:** Jeremy Milton - **Music:** Michael Giacchino - **Production design:** Cory Loftis - **Producer:** Yvett Merino - **Cast:** Ginnifer Goodwin as Judy Hopps (voice); Jason Bateman as Nick Wilde (voice); Ke Huy Quan as Gary De'Snake (voice); Fortune Feimster as Nibbles Maplestick (voice); Andy Samberg as Pawbert Lynxley (voice); David Strathairn as Milton Lynxley (voice); Idris Elba as Chief Bogo (voice); Shakira as Gazelle (voice) - **Runtime:** 1h 48m - **Certificate (MPA):** PG - **Release (the US):** 26 November 2025 - **Genres:** Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Mystery, Family - **Budget:** $150 million - **Box office:** $1.87 billion - **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEgPQ7HKoBA ## Where to watch in the US - Disney+: streaming, uhd - Amazon Prime Video: rent $3.99, uhd - Apple TV: rent $5.99, hd - Apple TV: buy $9.99, hd - Amazon Prime Video: buy $19.99, uhd *Checked 2026-09-10.* Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, IE, IL, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, TR, UA, US, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country. ## Awards - Academy Awards 2025: Best Animated Feature (nominated) - Annie Award for Best Animated Feature 2025: Annie Award for Best Animated Feature (nominated) - BAFTA Film Awards 2025: Best Children's & Family Film (nominated) - Critics' Choice Awards 2025: Best Animated Feature (nominated) ## If you liked this - *Zootopia* (2016), Fi1m 82: The original: a smaller, cleaner mystery where every clue is about the city — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/zootopia.md) - *Who Framed Roger Rabbit* (1988), Fi1m 89: A hard-boiled detective, a cartoon partner, and a city that despises one of them — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/who-framed-roger-rabbit.md) - *Paddington 2* (2017), Fi1m 91: A polite outsider, a wrongful accusation, and jokes for every age on the sofa — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/paddington-2.md) - *Ernest & Celestine* (2012), Fi1m 84: A bear and a mouse against two societies that forbid their friendship; drawn by hand — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/ernest-and-celestine.md) - *Fantastic Mr. Fox* (2009), Fi1m 84: Another fox who cannot quite go straight, with drier jokes and a smaller cast — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/fantastic-mr-fox.md) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/zootopia-2