Review: Zootropolis 2 is a welcome return to this zany world
Sometimes films like this feel best left as a single, self-contained story—Zootropolis certainly set that bar high. The 2016 original was a critical and commercial triumph, praised for its clever world-building, smart social commentary, and delightful character dynamics. It won the Oscar® for Best Animated Feature and became one of Disney’s most beloved modern hits. But the characters and universe were so well-scoped the first time around that returning to this world nine years later feels not only justified, but genuinely exciting.
In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootropolis 2, detectives Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) find themselves on the twisting trail of a mysterious reptile who shakes the mammal metropolis to its core. The case takes them into unexpected new corners of the city, testing their growing partnership in ways that feel fresh while staying true to what made them such a compelling duo in the first place.
The film is funny, bright, and boldly animated—everything you’d want from a return to Zootropolis. The visuals are vibrant and inventive, with the kind of world-building detail that rewards repeat viewings. Jared Bush, Oscar®-winning co-director and co-writer of the original (and director/co-writer of Encanto), brings sharp storytelling instincts to the sequel as both director and writer, while Yvett Merino, Oscar-winning producer of Encanto, ensures the film’s emotional beats land with warmth and confidence.
Voice performances remain a standout. Goodwin and Bateman slip seamlessly back into their roles, and the supporting cast—new and returning—bring charm, humor, and a lot of personality. The script strikes a perfect balance: plenty of smart laughs and sly references for adults, and lots of energy and heart for younger viewers.
Zootropolis 2 is a vibrant, confident sequel that understands why the first film worked so well and builds on it without repeating itself. It honors the legacy of the original while offering a new adventure worth taking. A delightful and deserving return to one of Disney’s most imaginative worlds.
Book now and catch it at VUE cinemas.
