#REVIEW: “ZOOTOPIA 2”

Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong

Nine years ago audiences were introduced to the world of Zootopia, and fell in love with that world. Now when I personally revisited Zootopia before seeing the hotly-anticipated sequel, something felt off – the magic that I experienced nine years ago seemed to be lacking and I quickly became skeptical for what Disney animation would have in stock for this sequel nearly a decade later. Well, with all that being said the original Directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard along with Bush writing the Screenplay again, did something not many sequels ever manage to do, and that is not only make a worthy sequel but one that is arguably superior to the first. It is something that has happened before (Dark Knight trilogy, Back to the Future, Godfather – which is still referenced in Zootopia 2) but it is an incredibly rare feat, so sit back and relax to see what the animal kingdom is up to now!

The beginning of Zootopia 2 starts off with a recap of what happened in the first movie and how Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde (Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman respectfully) took down their previous case and made Zootopia a safer place for all animals. However, Chief Bogo (Idris Elba) is still wary about giving them new hot cases, so they take matters into their own hands again – wreak havoc and get moved to essentially desk duty or face no longer being partners. What happens next is their investigating a snake, Gary De’Snake (Ke Huy Guan) trying to steal an ancient artifact that is being on display how Zootopia’s weather walls were created headed by Milton Lynxley (David Strathairn) and his family but specifically his son Pawbert (Andy Samberg), who feels like the odd one out. Judy and Nick are on the case, unofficially, but realize not everything is as it seems and their hands (paws?) are officially filled with trying to get to the bottom of the case, and ensure their safety as partners and being able to work on the force together still.

When it comes to the voice work here, Goodwin and Bateman are fantastic and play off each other effortlessly, like they did in the first movie as well which makes their dynamic and relationship something audiences can care about and get behind. With new Cast members in Andy Samberg, specifically here, he is not doing anything to mask his voice so he’s just being himself and plays the character he continues to play more or less. Ke Huy Quan and Fortune Feimster (who plays Nibbles Maplestick) are great new additions though, as they bring a level of fun and kooky in Feimster’s case to the forefront for Zootopia 2. However, replacing the ‘bad’ guy in this movie with someone more sinister in David Strathairn is a welcome new take, as it brings a new level of fear and not someone as joyful and fun as the voice of the first movie’s villain.

Overall, Zootopia 2 does something most sequels only dream of – it completely and shockingly surpasses its predecessor in every single aspect and facet. With the Film being slightly shorter in running time, its performances are better, the story is better, the animation is more beautifully done. Just overall, it is a much better-rounded movie. The only thing it is lacking is a certified banger from Shakira this time around, but there is something just so wholesome about Zootopia 2. Simply put, Zooptopia 2 is a blast from start to finish for adults, kids, and everyone in between.

Walt Disney Studios Canada release Zooptopia 2 in theaters on Wednesday, November 26, 2025.