‘Zootopia 2’: Clever, charming sequel

Zootopia 2 invites audiences back into the bustling, brilliantly animated metropolis with a sequel that delivers both heart and high-energy fun. 

Directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard reunite our favorite unlikely duo — officer Judy Hopps and sly fox Nick Wilde — on a new case that pushes their partnership into fresh and often hilarious territory. 

Voiced once again by Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman, the pair navigate the challenges of being newly minted police partners, discovering surprising quirks about each other along the way. Their evolving dynamic feels warm, real and delightfully relatable.

The film’s biggest scene-stealer is newcomer Gary de’Snake, voiced by Academy Award winner Ke Huy Quan. Gary, a sweet yet super-venomous pit viper with a mission to restore his family’s tarnished legacy, brings emotional depth and comedic charm. For a species usually cast as villains in Disney’s history, Gary is a refreshing, lovable standout. The animation team clearly went all-in, creating expressive, realistic snake movement without losing the character’s warmth and appeal.

The film expands Zootopia’s world into new corners of the city as Judy, Nick and Gary dive into a mystery decades in the making. The story carries classic Disney DNA: humor woven with thoughtful lessons, heartfelt conversations about differences and the power of connection.

And of course, a Zootopia movie wouldn’t be complete without a musical moment. Shakira returns as Gazelle with the catchy, upbeat new anthem “Zoo,” co-created with Ed Sheeran and Blake Slatkin.

Packed with charm, adventure and emotional warmth, Zootopia 2 is a worthy follow-up that expands the world while keeping everything fans loved about the original.