Returning to the vibrant, bustling world of Zootopia is no small task. The original 2016 film was a billion-dollar juggernaut, praised for its clever world-building, sharp social commentary, and the undeniable chemistry between its leads. Zootopia 2, directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, had a high bar to clear.
Does it succeed? Surprisingly, yes. After a rocky, forced opening act that feels like a cash-grab sequel, the film finds its footing and delivers a mystery that rivals the original. Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) return as partners on the trail of a mysterious reptile, leading them into new, uncharted districts of the city.
“The first 30 minutes are rough—forced cameos and unfunny jokes had us worried. But once the mystery kicks in, Zootopia 2 evolves into a heartfelt, exciting adventure that captures the magic of the first film.”
It’s a film that rewards patience, delivering laughs, thrills, and a message of inclusion that resonates just as strongly as its predecessor.
A Rough Start, A Strong Finish
The movie’s biggest flaw is its opening. The first half-hour feels disjointed, filled with forced cameos (Shakira returns as Gazelle for no real reason) and a therapy session subplot that falls flat. It feels like a sequel going through the motions.
However, once the actual investigation begins around the 40-minute mark, the movie transforms. The introduction of the reptile district—a hidden, shunned part of the city—expands the world in fascinating ways. The new characters, particularly a lovable snake voiced by Ke Huy Quan and a beaver named Nibbles (Fortune Feimster), add genuine humor and heart to the ensemble.
Expanding the Jungle
The sequel builds on the “predator vs. prey” themes of the first film by introducing reptiles, who have been banished from Zootopia due to prejudice. This adds a new layer of social commentary that feels natural rather than preached.
The animation is, as expected, spectacular. The new biomes, including a swamp district and an underground reptile city, are visually stunning. The climax, involving a multi-pronged rescue mission and a showdown in a snowy hedge maze (a fun nod to The Shining), had the audience cheering.
The relationship between Judy and Nick is deepened, moving from a “will they, won’t they” dynamic to a genuine, heartfelt partnership. While it stops short of full-blown romance, the emotional bond is the core of the film.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong Mystery: The investigative plot is engaging and full of twists. | Slow Start: The first 30 minutes are boring and feel like filler. |
| New Characters: Ke Huy Quan’s snake is a standout, adding warmth and charm. | Rehashed Themes: It retreads some of the same “prejudice” ground as the first. |
| World Building: The new districts (Reptiles, Swamp) are creative and beautiful. | Forced Cameos: Shakira’s role feels tacked on for star power. |
| Heartfelt Ending: The climax and resolution are emotionally satisfying. | Annoying Sidekicks: Some characters, like Nibbles the Beaver, can be grating. |
| Animation: Top-tier visuals that bring the new environments to life. | Lack of Risk: It plays it safe with the Nick/Judy relationship. |
Zootopia 2: It’s a sequel that justifies its existence, even if it takes a while to get there. While it lacks the immediate punch and novelty of the original, it makes up for it with a strong second half, lovable new characters, and a message that still matters. It’s a solid 7.5/10—a great family film for the holidays that proves there are still stories left to tell in this urban jungle. Just maybe skip the first 20 minutes. – Asmodeus
