When Disney Zootopia First hitting theaters in 2016, the film was widely applauded by critics and audiences for its unique and insightful exploration of racism and discrimination through its predator versus prey allegory. The film's tackling of real-life prejudice was generally successful, even if it risked being too broad at times, and its ability to directly address these pressing and widespread social issues remains admirable and well-intentioned, and likely started important conversations about racism for younger audiences at the time. Now, almost 10 years later, the unlikely duo of buddy and police bunny Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and fox Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) we're back at it with a sequel whose social commentary feels more relevant than ever.
Zootopia 2 The action takes place immediately after the events of the first film, where Nick and Judy took the city by storm after exposing the corrupt Mayor Bellweather (Jenny Slate) for her involvement in the missing mammal case. However, they don't have much time to enjoy their newfound celebrity status as interpersonal problems begin to arise. As one of the few cross-species partnerships on the Zootopia Police Department, Judy is determined to prove they are right for each other, but Nick doesn't feel the same urgency. Judy's unwavering sense of justice belies Nick's laid-back, wise attitude and sense of their dysfunction – which doesn't seem to keep them from interfering with other ZPD operations – Chief Bogo (Idris Elba) sends them to Partners in Crisis (led by therapist Dr. Fuzzby, voiced by Quinta Brunson) to find out their differences.
Gary De'Snake (actually voices Ke Hai Quan) puts his partnership to the test even further when he crashes the Animal Gala – the first snake to appear in the city in 100 years – and two rookie cops believe he's been framed for a crime he didn't commit. Using Nibbles Maplestick (Fortune Feimster) and Pobert Linksley (Andy Samberg), Judy and Nick set out to help Gary, with the ZPD and the Linksley family hot on their heels.
Zootopia 2 it has elephant-sized shoes to fill after the success of the first film, and thankfully, it continues to thoughtfully develop its social commentary on racism and oppression, taking it to new heights in an even more apt allegory that focuses on a specific species rather than a broad concept like prey and predator.
The sequel delves even deeper into the world-building of its predecessor, answering questions about how the bustling metropolis came to be. The film also explores the communities that have been left behind and suppressed since the city's creation, including the Swamp Market and the reptile population that was forced to live in secret.
The various locations Nick and Judy visit throughout the film feel dense, lush, and beautifully animated, and every landmark and interaction they have with other characters adds more context and weight to their anti-oppression commentary. The film's social issues particularly resonate with its depictions of forced displacement, cultural erasure, and scapegoating (no pun intended) of minorities.
To address the elephant in the room: it's impossible to make a movie about anthropomorphic animals without a lot of animal puns. Zootopia 2 is no exception. The jokes mostly work, but sometimes lean too heavily on dated, unnecessary, and over-the-top pop culture references. And of course, what's a Disney movie without copious amounts of in-universe Disney advertising disguised as Easter eggs?
In addition, Nick often comes across as too conflicted, butting heads with Judy in ways that are out of character. However, the development of their relationship is still very satisfying and forms the core emotion of the film.
Zootopia 2 combines stunning animation with dynamic, live action and insightful social commentary that brings the characters to life, making the film even more confident and accurate with its anti-oppression message. The film encourages us to think about how our differences, both interpersonal and social, make us not so different after all—and that message resonates now more than ever.
