Movie Review – Zootopia 2 (2026)

March 12, 2026

3–5 minutes

After the better part of a decade, directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard are back with the next installment of “Zootopia.” In which, officers Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) find themselves suspended after “botching” a sting operation. Though they get their man (or Anteater in this case), additional evidence suggests a reptile has entered city and is hatching a plot against the Zootennial gala – the 100th anniversary of the city’s founding and invention of the climate-controlling weather walls. As Judy and Nick investigate in an unofficial capacity, will the duo be able to solve the case or will their differing work ethics tear their union apart?

“Zootopia 2” entertains and raises the stakes; however, the cumbersome story isn’t as clear cut as the first movie’s prey vs predator tale or as universal as following your dreams. As such, the winding story (read: boring in places) may go over some younger viewers’ heads.

I was looking forward to a buddy cop story in which Judy and Nick are decorated members of the Z.P.D. However, they’re at the bottom of the pecking order despite introducing a number of new Z.P.D. officers. The movie also quickly finds itself reusing material from the original. Don’t get me wrong, “Zootopia 2” has amazing world building and a climax so exciting that I wondered if “Zootopia 2” would be this generation’s “Bambi,” but the idea that Judy’s and Nick’s personalities are diametrically opposed is ground the first movie already covered extensively. To the movie’s credit, the emotional high points do hit their mark, but this is something we’ve seen before.

Like the first movie, Judy and Nick’s case starts out simple enough, but then reveals a larger machination at play. This time a heist leads into a real estate scheme. I can’t help but think this story is too much for kids – not that the story is too intense or inappropriate, but the story meanders at times, and revolves around prejudice and a redevelopment plot which might not hold kids’ attention all the way to the end credits. “Zootopia 2” could almost be compared to Peter Jackon’s “Return of the King.” The story never overstays its welcome, but it has several natural breaks that make you think the movie is ending.

That said, the world of Zootopia has never looked better. It invites multiple watches to catch all the details and references hiding in plain sight. The Marsh Market widens the world of Zootopia both in terms of locale and species. These carnivorous creatures eat fish and grub worms, so one hopes that Nemo and Hemlich would be safe here, since they can speak and display a level of complex cognitive behaviors.

The chase through the marketplace has me wishing for an open world video game or even an attraction at Disney World. The various set pieces, characters, and vendors both above and below the surface are not just fully realized but a feast for the eyes. I’d love to see Disney continue to build out this world both cinematically as well as at the Disney theme parks.

If you were a fan of the first movie, you’ll be pleased to know that Goodwin and Bateman don’t miss a beat as Judy and Nick respectively. Ke Huy Quan joins the cast as Gary De’Snak. Surprisingly despite his presence in all the marketing materials, he doesn’t get a lot of screentime. Similarly, Andy Samberg’s underachieving, rich kid Pawbert Lynxley is also a strong addition to the cast.

Normally, I’d be annoyed with a character like Nibbles Maplestick – the loud and obnoxious character – but comedian Fortune Feimster is well cast. The bub moment with Russ is the best example of a scene that tests my patience but fortunately there is more to Nibbles. It also helps that Bateman and Goodwin’s straight man to the wacky Nibbles breaks up what could otherwise turn into an exasperating sequence.

“Zootopia 2” buckles under the weight of balancing its story, characters, and action. This story might have benefitted from a more episodic approach, if only to highlight the daily quirks of Judy and Nick’s contrasting personalities. Fortunately, the characters are magnetic enough to carry the audience to the various locations even when the story seems a bit lifeless.

Be sure to stay through the credits to see a tease of things to come in “Zootopia 3.” Hopefully the wait time will be shorter than 10 years.

Rating: 4/5.