Disney has officially announced the release date for Zootopia 2. The long-awaited sequel arrives in theaters on November 26, 2025. Directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard return to helm the project. The original voice cast, including Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman, is also confirmed to reprise their roles.
Fans have eagerly awaited a follow-up since the first film became a global phenomenon in 2016. According to Reuters, the sequel promises to delve deeper into the dynamic partnership between Officer Judy Hops and the sly Nick Wilde. The film aims to recapture the magic that won the original an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
The new story finds Judy Hops and Nick Wilde newly partnered on the Zootopia police force. Their partnership hits a rough patch early on. They are ordered to attend a "partners in crisis" workshop led by a therapy animal voiced by Quinta Brunson.
Their counseling is quickly interrupted by a new mystery. The duo investigates an interloping snake named Gary De'Snake, voiced by Ke Huy Quan. This leads them to infiltrate a high-society gala hosted by a family of lynxes. The plot soon escalates into a city-wide police manhunt with our heroes as the targets.
The sequel introduces a host of new animal characters. Fortune Feimster joins as a ravenous beaver named Nibbles Maplestick. Patrick Warburton voices a pompous stallion mayor named Brian Winddancer. The film is described as an animated ensemble piece with a massive cast of vocal talents.
Co-director Jared Bush, who also wrote the screenplay, orchestrates a rapid-fire series of gags. The humor is sophisticated yet accessible, with witty pop culture references. A chase through a hedge maze pays clear homage to The Shining, offering a laugh for adult viewers.
The visual detail and world-building remain a top priority. New environments and animal-specific jokes are woven throughout the narrative. One standout scene involves a walrus boat, while another parodies a Burning Man-like festival. The animation style expands on the original's innovative design.
The heart of the film remains the relationship between Judy and Nick. Their dynamic grows more affectionate and complex. A mid-credits scene strongly hints at a romantic direction for the pair. It also teases a third installment, suggesting Disney is building a long-term franchise.