The Disney Revival has brought a wave of exciting new IPs, but few have matched the critical and commercial success of Zootopia. Lauded for its deft handling of important social issues within the framework of a children’s film, the 2016 animated classic is undoubtedly one of the shining gems of this era of Disney animation. So, after nine years, the Mouse House has finally given us a sequel, Zootopia 2. With the success of the original weighing heavily on its shoulders, the question remains: how does the sequel measure up?
From the get-go, Zootopia 2 wastes no time in setting the stage, picking up shortly after the events of the first film, with Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) now partners at the Zootopia Police Department. The chemistry between the two remains as electrifying as ever, with the film leaning into their contrasting personalities for plenty of heartwarming moments and comedic gold. However, despite the resolution of the first movie’s central conflict, the status quo for Judy hasn’t changed much, marking the first instance when Zootopia 2 feels comfortably familiar. And, of course, the animal puns are back in full force, with some of the best being the ones that make no sense at all, adding to the film’s absurdity.
This is where things start to feel familiar again. The first Zootopia took on the challenge of combating stereotypes, particularly the age-old predator vs. prey dynamic. In Zootopia 2, the sequel revisits similar territory, particularly in its handling of snakes. Without diving into spoilers, there are also certain plot beats that feel recycled, leading to moments where the movie comes across as somewhat derivative. While there are attempts to differentiate the story, these efforts don’t feel substantial enough to fully break away from the formula established by the first film.
One of the film’s highlights is how Zootopia 2 handles the connection between Judy and Nick. While the first film left room for their relationship to be viewed as purely platonic, it’s hard to make that case here, and honestly, it works to the movie’s advantage. Their undeniable chemistry takes centre stage, and the decision to explore this bond more deeply really pays off (even if the logic of it all is, shall we say, up for debate). Visually, the animation is stunning, with the clever use of lighting and illumination making certain architectural details pop. Shakira returns with a new track, penned alongside Ed Sheeran and Blake Slatkin, which is sure to be a hit with younger audiences – and possibly older ones too. Additionally, there are moments in the plot that seem inspired by real-world, tragic historical events. It adds meaningful depth to the film, reminding us that history should never be forgotten.
Zootopia 2 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, playing it safe with a formulaic structure but still delivering an endearing sequel. Sustained by the charm of its two leads, gorgeous animation, and effective humour, it’s a fun ride that’s sure to be a hit with younger audiences. While the social commentary is still effective, it feels a bit repetitive this time around. Here’s hoping that should a Zootopia 3 come to fruition, the filmmakers dive deeper into these themes, exploring new ground while keeping the heart of the franchise intact.
