Our Review

                          Movie: ZOOTOPIA 2

      Rating: PG,  action/violence and rude humor`

                                  Length: 1:48

                 Release Date: November 26, 2025 

Jeanne: Absolutely, fantastically entertaining --- ZOOTOPIA 2 is everything you could want in a sequel to the outrageously popular ZOOTOPIA (2016). Returning for another adventure is everyone’s favorite bunny, Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin), and that sly fox, Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman).

At the end of ZOOTOPIA, Nick graduates from the police academy and begins a partnership with Judy. ZOOTOPIA 2 picks up right where that story left off and now Judy and Nick are rookies together, trying to make a good impression on Chief Bogo (voiced by Idris Elba). But, as things go, Judy and Nick get ahead of themselves, get into trouble and then Chief Bogo has to sideline the duo.

He sends them to partner’s therapy facilitated by Dr. Fuzzby (voiced by Quinta Brunson). Soon they are back in the hunt, trying to solve the mystery of why snakes haven’t been in Zootopia for a century after a venomous pit viper, Gary De’Snake (voiced by Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan), arrives and freaks everyone out. As it turns out, the Lynxley family, who run Tundratown, are involved --- and not in a good way. But Gary is determined to find the truth, so Judy is all in to help, while Nick thinks they should stay out of it.

ZOOTOPIA 2 boasts a cast of 178 unique characters representing 67 species with a total of 697 crewmembers who worked on this movie. In addition to Gary De’Snake, other new animals are Nibbles Maplestick (voiced by Fortune Feimster), a beaver who hosts a podcast about her home, Marsh Market, and Mayor Brian Winddancer (voiced by Patrick Warburton), a stallion a la Fabio, who was an actor, now he’s a politician. In all, there are 71 voice actors credited in ZOOTOPIA 2.

Written by Jared Bush, who also co-directs with Byron Howard, this sequel is chock full of hilarious moments and superb animation. Heading the animation team are Kira Lehtomaki and Chad Sellers, while Cory Loftis has returned to oversee the spectacular production designs.

That was one of the most memorable aspects of the original ZOOTOPIA. The look and designs of all the amazing characters --- and the incredible sets, which were so colorful and imaginative --- are brought back to life in ZOOTOPIA 2.

Michael Giacchino has also returned as composer, giving ZOOTOPIA 2 an unforgettable soundtrack. Ed Sheeran, Blake Slatkin and Shakira wrote the music and lyrics for “Zoo”, the new feature song, which is performed by Gazelle (voiced by Shakira).

Many fan favorites are back in the cast, especially Flash (voiced by Raymond S. Persi), a sloth employed by the Department of Mammal Vehicles. Here once again, Flash is slow moving, that is until he’s behind the wheel of a muscle car --- then we learn why his name is Flash. He would give the She-Demon, Devil-Driver from the Depths of Hell (that would be me) a run for her money.

There is just so much to love about ZOOTOPIA 2. It’s truly a major movie-going experience for the entire family. And it packs a powerful message about acceptance and our differences making us stronger. What could be more important?

Opinion: Strong See It Now!

David: It’s been nearly 10 years since the original ZOOTOPIA from Disney Animation Studios won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. The sequel, appropriately titled ZOOTOPIA 2, may just repeat the success of the first film. Featuring a plethora of household names utilizing their voice talents, this second offering from directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard is a sheer delight for families everywhere.

The animation alone is worth the price of admission. The attention to detail is simply amazing. For example, when one of the characters places a small object on a table, we hear the click of the object as it touches the table’s surface. Much more importantly, the facial expressions of all the characters, including the hordes of creatures, reveal what they must be thinking --- and are a wonder to behold.

Nearly 700 total crewmembers worked on ZOOTOPIA 2, so this is no small enterprise. World-famous composer Michael Giacchino eagerly signed on to reprise the soundtrack, as he did in the first movie. 

Recognizable names like the following participated as voice talents: Jason Bateman, Ginnifer Goodwin, Andy Samberg, Idris Elba, Patrick Warburton, Danny Trejo, David Strathairn, Jean Reno, Macaulay Culkin, John Leguizamo, Tommy Chong, Ed Sheeran, Cecily Strong, Michael J. Fox, Josh Gad and Dwayne Johnson.

Goodwin and Bateman are special playing the leads Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, police partners from the first film. ZOOTOPIA 2 features a new song, “Zoo”, penned by Ed Sheeran, Blake Slatkin and Shakira, who voices Gazelle, and performs “Zoo”.

Creative names like Gary De’Snake (voiced by 2023 Best Supporting Actor winner Ke Huy Quan), Nibbles Maplestick, Pawbert Lynxley,  Mayor Brian Winddancer, Captain Hoggbottom and Antony Snootley are part of the immense fun of this story. Laugh-out-loud moments are too many to relate, but there is no doubt that ZOOTOPIA 2 merits at least a second viewing. The problem --– and it’s a good one --- is that while we’re chuckling at one situation, another pops up immediately and it’s sometimes difficult to keep up.

Opinion: Strong See It Now!