Zootopia 2 2025 Review

After nearly a decade away, Zootopia 2 marks the long-awaited return of Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, this time diving into a story that’s not only timely but surprisingly layered for a sequel aimed at younger audiences. The plot kicks off with a compelling premise: reptiles have been exiled from Zootopia for years following a poisoning incident involving a snake and a turtle. That long-standing prejudice has gone mostly unchallenged, until Hopps and Wilde take it upon themselves to investigate what really happened and whether the reptile community, particularly Gary the Snake, has been unfairly blamed.

Ke Huy Quan voices Gary the Snake and brings a warm, nervous charm to the character. Alongside him, the returning core cast includes Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman), and they remain the heart and soul of the story. Other familiar voices such as Chief Bogo (voiced by Idris Elba), and returning favourites like the singer‐gazelle Gazelle (voiced by Shakira) help ground the world in familiarity. New additions, such as Nibbles Maplestick (voiced by Fortune Feimster), bring fresh energy to the ensemble

Visually, the film is stunning. The animation has evolved considerably since the first movie, which is saying something given how impressive the original looked back in 2016. Lighting plays a much more expressive role this time around. Shadows and atmosphere are used to build tension in investigative scenes, while neon and warmth fill out the bustling cityscapes. The cinematography, if we can even call it that in an animated film, feels thought-out and deliberate. There’s a clear visual language that helps separate the various districts and environments without overwhelming the viewer. Action sequences flow smoothly, and character animations feel more expressive and nuanced than ever.

The film also doubles down on comedy, with genuinely funny moments that work for both kids and adults. There’s a strong sense of timing in the delivery of the jokes, and the film doesn’t just rely on slapstick. The banter between Hopps and Wilde is still razor sharp, but there are also plenty of visual gags, cultural references, and character-driven humor. Pop culture moments are woven in with a wink, but they never feel forced. Fans of animation and film in general will have fun picking up on nods to other franchises and classics. It’s clear the filmmakers had fun with this aspect, and it pays off.

From a character standpoint, the relationship between Judy and Nick has matured. They feel more like seasoned partners this time around, both comfortable in their roles but also aware of the social weight of the case they’re investigating. Their dynamic has always been a highlight of the franchise, and here it becomes even more emotionally grounded. There are moments where their frustrations, doubts, and hopes feel remarkably real, despite the fact they’re talking rabbits and foxes. That’s a testament to both the voice work and the writing.

The introduction of new reptilian characters also adds freshness to the cast. Rather than making them stereotypes, the film gives each of them a personality and a motivation. There’s an effort to humanise them, to show the fear and frustration of being ostracised from a society that sees them as dangerous by default. In this way, the story leans more heavily into themes of forgiveness, truth, and reform. It’s not preachy, but it does aim higher than most sequels of this kind.

The pacing is tight but not rushed. It balances the mystery, action, and comedy quite well, with a satisfying arc that keeps you guessing. While younger audiences will enjoy the vibrant visuals and humour, older viewers will likely appreciate the way it treats complex ideas with a light touch. The plot keeps moving forward, layering new clues and suspects as the case unfolds, all leading to a finale that is both emotional and earned. It’s not just about solving a mystery, but about how that truth reshapes the world around them.

Musically, the film doesn’t disappoint either. The score feels grander than the first, with some real cinematic swells during key scenes. There’s even a new original track that plays during the credits that wraps the emotional journey in a neat little bow. The song titles zoo is performed by Shakira and written by Ed Sheeran. It’s not quite as iconic as the first film’s music, but it fits this more mature sequel. What’s most surprising is how much this movie respects its audience. It doesn’t try to dumb things down or fall into the trap of lazy storytelling. It trusts that kids can handle themes like discrimination and justice if they’re presented the right way. And it trusts that adults want to be engaged, not just entertained. That balance is rare in animated sequels, and Zootopia 2 finds it well.

If there’s a criticism to make, it’s that the film does lean heavily on emotional resonance toward the end. The final act slows down a bit to drive home the message, and while it mostly works, it might feel slightly overstated for some. Still, it’s a small price to pay for a movie that manages to be thoughtful, funny, and emotionally satisfying all at once.

Overall, Zootopia 2 is a worthy follow-up that builds on the world and characters in meaningful ways. It doesn't rely on nostalgia or try to repeat the first film beat for beat. Instead, it expands the world, deepens the characters, and tackles new themes with confidence. The voice cast is excellent, the visuals are top-tier, and the story has just enough edge to make it feel fresh.

It’s great to see Disney take animation seriously again, with real risks and original storytelling. Zootopia 2 could have easily been a cash-grab, but it ends up being one of the better sequels they’ve produced in recent years. It has the charm, the depth, and the visual punch to stand proudly alongside the original. I rate this film a strong 8 out of 10.