Zootopia 2 nails consistency and dedication to deliver a quick, feel good hit

Courtesy Disney

For the last several years, Disney has been focusing on promoting its biggest brands. Marvel, Star Wars, and even their Fox properties have all seen a significant push, with numerous movies and TV projects in development, with varying degrees of success. Meanwhile, it seems that the company has shifted less focus to their original core: animated films. Zootopia 2 aims to change that. With a clever script, a talented voice cast, and enough adventure and spectacle to rival a live-action blockbuster, it looks like a revitalizing effort to remind the studio where its legacy truly lies.

Set a week after the first film ended, Zootopia 2 follows ZPD rookie officers Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) as they navigate their new partnership and their status as a heroic duo, after saving the city. However, after disobeying direct orders, their attempt to take down a smuggling ring—which causes millions of dollars in damage and creates a PR crisis for Mayor Brian Winddancer (Patrick Warburton)—ends badly.

Reprimanded for their insubordination, Chief Boho (Idris Elba) assigns them to a sensitivity training course, threatening to break up their partnership if they fail. Judy, however, is preoccupied with evidence indicating that a snake was involved in their disastrous bust. It’s strange because reptiles haven’t been seen in Zootopia for 200 years. Determined to uncover what it means, she persuades Nick to help infiltrate a high-profile gala, where they are framed for attempted murder after uncovering a large conspiracy.

With time running out and the whole Zootopia Police Department on their tail, Nick, Judy, and some unexpected allies attempt to solve a mystery that could reshape the city as they know it, even if it tests their friendship along the way.

One thing that stands out about Zootopia 2 is how it simply coasts along. Clocking in at around 104 minutes, it feels much shorter, with hardly any slowdowns. This is largely thanks to two main factors that elevate the film: consistency and dedication.

The consistency comes from behind the scenes. Co-directors Jared Bush (who also wrote the film) and Byron Howard have worked together enough to know how to bring out the best in their work. They previously collaborated as directors on Encanto (which Bush co-wrote), and Howard co-directed the first Zootopia, where Bush was a co-writer. This familiarity helps the film excel in building its world and characters.

The dedication might sound tricky, but it’s really what makes this movie stand out. It’s no secret that Disney has had issues with sequels historically, especially with many direct-to-video offerings from the ’90s and ’00s. What sets this film apart is that it defies that trend by staying true to its buddy-cop roots and emulating the big-budget sequels of the ’80s and early ’90s.

Honestly, Zootopia 2 feels like the Beverly Hills Cop 2 or Lethal Weapon 2 of animated movies: bigger, louder, more daring, and more thrilling than its predecessor. Sure, there are some recycled bits and recurring characters, but that’s in line with its inspirations. The pace zips along, masking any plot holes or minor issues with sheer fun, and slows down only for character development, as Nick and Judy frequently clash over whether survival or solving the case is more important.

Adding to the fun are the new characters joining Nick and Judy on their quest. Nibbles Maplestick (Fortune Feimster), a beaver who hosts a conspiracy theory podcast; Pawbert Lynxley (Andy Samberg), the outcast of a powerful family trying to do right by the little guy; and Gary De’Snake (Ke Huy Quan), an earnest snake trying to bring his family back to their rightful home.

Zootopia 2 is a rare sequel worth celebrating because it understands what made the original so enjoyable and enhances those elements. It’s not a perfect film—especially when you think about the “reptiles as immigrants” commentary, which starts to fall apart upon reflection—but it’s filled with heart and creativity, smoothing over any rough patches. It’s also one of the few recent animated films that entertains both energetic kids and their parents equally, making it a highly recommended watch.