Nearly a decade after the first film became a modern animated classic, 'Zootopia 2' arrives with the difficult task of expanding a world beloved for its wit, heart, and social resonance.
Rather than simply revisiting old beats, the sequel chooses to grow up a little – along with its audience. The result is a film that is fun and fast-moving for kids while offering richer emotional layers and double entendres for adults. Speaking of adults, special shout-out to the group of 18+ who turned up in police costumes and animal ears, with nary an accompanying child in sight.
The story picks up with Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde now fully established as ZPD partners, but their dynamic has shifted. Nick, while still sly and sharp-tongued, grapples with what it means to be a “legitimate” cop, while Judy is still wrestling with constantly trying to prove herself to the (numerous) doubters. Their relationship remains the heart of the film – full of humorous banter, gentle affection, and real tension as they confront different ideas about how change actually happens, and how much sacrifice change is worth.
This time, the plot revolves around a land grab. The founding fathers of the city – Lynxes – are credited for establishing the weather walls that mean that animals from all different environments can live together in Zootopia. They are now expanding their own habitat by taking over another, and pushing out the current inhabitants. Reptiles are the main victims of the development, and are also the underdogs of the Zootopian society. Snakes are the main villains and have been hounded out of the city altogether, based on the fact that they murdered the maid of the Lynx family several generations ago. Or did they…?
The world-building is as imaginative as ever. Through the eyes of the two leads, we are able to explore new areas of Zootopia, and meet new characters, such as a conspiracy-obsessed beaver with her own podcast. These environments are visually rich and filled with blink-and-you-miss-them gags that reward repeat viewing. Disney Animation again excels at designing spaces that feel simultaneously fantastical and grounded in real urban ecosystems. Visually, the movie is stunning.
Where 'Zootopia 2' truly shines is in the evolving partnership between Judy and Nick. The film understands that sequels must raise the stakes emotionally as well as narratively. Moments where the pair disagree, falter, or confront their own blind spots feel earned. Their eventual reconciliation lands with genuine warmth.
The story isn’t quite as clear and engaging as the original, and deals with many adult issues – some parts feel like you’re listening to a ChatGPT synopsis of why your latest relationship failed – but kids don’t care about this. My fellow reviewer, aged 9, gave the film 10/10 stars, which is the only review that really counts this school holiday season.
