In an age when studios crank out reboots and sequels left and right, it’s easy to write a new one off.
Most seem unnecessary, and very few justify their existence. But every once in a while, a sequel comes along that’s not only great, but also a worthy successor to the film that came before it.
“Zootopia 2” is that film. It doesn’t quite reach the level of 2016’s “Zootopia,” but it’s not far off.
Co-directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard (who both worked on the first “Zootopia”), “Zootopia 2” is a sequel that arrives nearly a decade after the first film. It’s funny, heartwarming, and fast-paced, and it expands the fictional animal metropolis in new and interesting ways.
At the center of the story is the odd-couple duo of rookie bunny cop Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and con artist Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman). This time around, the film leans more heavily into the buddy-cop trope by making Judy and Nick partners on the Zootopia Police force. Both are now out to prove that their prior success at uncovering a conspiracy wasn’t just a fluke.
They soon dive headfirst into a new case that involves the arrival of a mysterious snake (Ke Huy Quan)—the first one to be seen in Zootopia in a century. Snakes and other reptiles aren’t allowed in the city, and Judy and Nick begin to uncover clues from Zootopia’s history that may reveal why.
The story takes Judy and Nick to new parts of Zootopia and introduces some new supporting characters like Brian Winndancer, a former action star turned politician voiced by Patrick Warburton; Pawbert Lynxley (Andy Samberg), an outcast member of the prominent Lynxley family; and a beaver podcaster named Nibbles Maplestick (Fortune Feimster).
“Zootopia 2” also leans more heavily into pop culture references and animal puns. There are plenty of references that Disney fans will notice, as well as nods to films like “The Shining.” Don’t worry, it’s nothing that would terrify the kids.
The film also explores themes of prejudice and oppression, but in more subtle ways than the first “Zootopia.”
While “Zootopia 2” doesn’t reach the heights of the first film, it has much of the same charm and spirit that makes it worth the wait.
(Also, there’s a post-credit scene, so make sure you stick around for that.)
Zootopia 2
Directed by: Jared Bush and Byron Howard
Starring (voices): Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Ke Huy Quan, Fortune Feimster, Shakira, Idris Elba, Quinta Brunson, Patric Warburton, Andy Samberg
108 mins
In theaters Nov. 26
Ashley Carter is a journalist with extensive experience covering entertainment. She is a member of the Critics Association of Central Florida and reviews movies on her YouTube channel Ashley Talks Movies.
