Zootropolis 2 ★★★★

Released: 28 November 2025

Director: Jared Bush, Byron Howard

Starring: Jason Bateman, Ginnifer Goodwin, Idris Elba, Ke Huy Quan

In 2016, Disney introduced us to Zootropolis, a bustling melting pot, where predator and prey coexist side by side. When that harmony came under threat, rookie rabbit cop Judy Hopps joined forces with con artist fox Nick Wilde to uncover a nefarious plot that went right to the heart of power. Nearly a decade later, the unlikely duo return for Zootropolis 2, a thoroughly entertaining romp that proves the franchise is no one-trick pony. 

Fresh from their high-profile bust, Judy (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick (Jason Bateman) are now official partners at the ZPD. Yet, their clash of personalities proves chaotic, causing Chief Bogo (Idris Elba) to force them into therapy. Before the pair can get on the same page, the sudden appearance of Gary (Ke Huy Quan), Zootropolis’ first snake in decades, leads them on a trail to recover a missing journal that contains the secrets of the city’s origins.

Zootropolis stood out in Disney’s filmography, defined by its skilful and tender examination of prejudice and stereotyping. Zootropolis 2 builds on these foundations, delving into historical injustice, erasure, and the courage to take action. The story, written and co-directed by Jared Bush, impressively tackles these weighty themes in a way that is accessible for younger audiences, and appeals to adults without feeling cloying or patronising. 

The film juggles deepening the bond of Nick and Judy, introducing new characters, and expanding Zootropolis itself into uncharted territory. It swings for the fences with bigger setpieces and broader storytelling, landing nearly every emotional beat along the way. The film also benefits from confidence in knowing what made the first instalment so popular. Brimming with fan-favourite characters and callbacks, these delight as easter eggs for devoted fans rather than hollow nostalgia grabs. At times, the increased cast becomes a double-edged sword, leaving certain characters, particularly the lynxes, underdeveloped despite their importance to the plot. Gary and Nibbles, a beaver and conspiracy podcast host (played with folksy charm by Fortune Feimster), are welcome additions, but with so many faces competing for attention, it takes a little while to feel invested in them.

If Zootropolis 2 falters anywhere, it’s in its occasional flirtation with a romance between Judy and Nick. These moments feel tacked onto an already crammed narrative, adding little when their dynamic already works beautifully (therapy aside) and needs no romantic undertones to feel meaningful. 

While Zootropolis’ simplicity ironically gives it a slight edge over the sequel, Zootropolis 2 is a truly worthy follow-up. Ambitious in its storytelling and leaning fearlessly into its core message of compassion, the result is a family-friendly adventure that’s whip-smart, big-hearted, and laugh-out-loud funny. Crucially, it answers the question no one was asking, but everyone benefits from: Is there a limit to how many animal puns you can pack into one film? No. Not if they’re all funny.