In 2016, Disney’s Zootopia introduced audiences to the vast megalopolis that is Zootopia, where animals big and small co-exist in harmony. The story followed Zootopia’s first rabbit police officer, Judy Hopps, and local fox con artist, Nick Wilde, as they work together to solve a mystery that threatens to tear their city apart.
Zootopia was a howling box office success, and the film was praised for its un-frog-gettable characters, fur-tastic visuals, kriller soundtrack featuring certified banger Try Everything from Shakira, hare-larious comedy, and clever-as-a-fox social commentary. With the highly anticipated sequel stampeding cinemas on November 27, let’s examine why you should be excited for Judy and Nick’s most hare-raising case yet!
COLD-BLOODED MOTIVES
Judy and Nick are functioning just fine as officers of the Zootopia Police Department (they wish). With their teamwork falling apart, they receive a crucial case from Chief Bogo to determine whether they stay as partners or permanently split up.
The prime suspect: Gary De-snake, a slippery pit viper on a personal mission of his own. To uncover the truth, the pair will covertly explore never-before-seen areas of Zootopia, such as the Marsh Market, home to aquatic species like seals, hippos and beavers. Will Judy and Nick learn that better is together, or have they drifted too far apart?
The plot is a tough one to crack (just like the case); however, the trailers and synopsis provide some vital clues. Why is there a colony of reptiles, hidden and unknown to the local populace? Are reptiles not welcome in Zootopia? Is Gary the culprit they’re looking for, or is he the key to unlocking a revelation that will shock the city to its core? Get your thinking cap on and see if you can solve it before our fur-some duo does!
WHO’S WHO IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM
Zootopia 2 features a star-studded cast, including returning talent Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba, Nate Torrence, Raymond S. Persi, Shakira, Maurice LaMarche, and Supa-Star alum Alan Tudyk as Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, Chief Bogo, Clawhauser, Flash, Gazelle, Mr. Big, and Duke Weaselton, respectively.
New to the concrete jungle hijinks are Academy Award winner Ke Huy Quan (Everything Everywhere All At Once) as Gary De-snake, Fortune Feimster (The Mindy Project) as Nibbles Maplestick, Patrick Warburton (The Emperor’s New Groove) as Mayor Winddancer, Macaulay Culkin (Home Alone) as Cattrick Lynxley, Brenda Song (The Last Showgirl) as Kitty Lynxley, and Adam Samberg (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) as Pawbert Lynxley.
Legendary composer Michael Giacchino, who’s responsible for the original score of Zootopia, is back as well. Shakira’s new bop made exclusively for Zootopia 2, Zoo, was written in collaboration with music icons Ed Sheeran and Blake Slatkin. See if you can spot their cameos in the film, keep your eyes peeled for Ed Shearin and Baalake Lambkin!
BEHIND THE BIOMES
Director Jared Bush sat down with Variety earlier this year to discuss the creative process and challenges of making a sequel to a beloved film. “Sequels are tricky. Audiences want familiarity but also expect growth. The key is making sure any evolution feels organic and integral to the story. You can’t just change a character’s design for the sake of change. People can sense when it’s unearned.
“[The reptiles] move and behave differently than mammals. Telling their story required a different approach. For instance, animating a snake, essentially a big rope, and everyone knows about the difficulty in animating ropes. It’s something we haven’t done in CG before, even though Disney has this rich history of animated snakes.”
Zootopia 2 promises a faithful sequel full of the signature Zootopia blend of comedy, wit, and charm, thanks to a bear-illiant cast and crew at the helm. With attractions like Zootopia: Hot Pursuit at Shanghai Disneyland and Zootopia: Better Zoogether at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, there’s no time like the present to be a fan! The future of Zootopia is looking radi-ant!
Zootopia 2 is in cinemas November 27.
