Zootopia 2 Review: Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde Are Back With A New Case That’s Every Bit Fun!
The sequel of Zootopia is directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard. Here's a quick review.
4 / 5
There are a bunch of animated films that cater to both adults and kids. Well, safe to say that they make adults feel like a kid again. As it should be! And one of those films, for me, was Zootopia, among many others. Before going for the sequel, all I hoped and prayed for was that it would live up to that hype. But little did I know that I was in for a wild and joyous ride with Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde returning to crack another adventurous case. With very little to crib about, this Jared Bush and Byron Howard film made me happy from within. Here’s a quick review.
Plot (Without Spoilers)
Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) stumble upon a complicated and twisted case. In this one, they investigate about the origin of Zootopia which leads them to uncover some shocking realities about the existence of reptiles, as part of their world. It all begins when Judy Hopps finds a shed snake skin while investigating a case. For the unversed, snakes were never a part of Zootopia and therefore this seems a little unusual to the cop.
This hunch leads Hopps to a pit viper Gary De’Snake (Ke Huy Quan) whose is purpose in life is to steal the Lynxley Journal and bring the real history of Zootopia to the forefront, and bring his family to justice. He crashes the Zootenial Gala to execute this plan. The decendents of Ebeneezer Lynxley, writer of the journal are also present at the event. However, as the case unfolds, Hopps is met with more challenges and shocking truths but these obstacles don’t stop her from achieving the impossible! Simultaneously, the plot also deals with the growing differences between Hopps and Wilde, but the end to that is quite heartwarming.
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What’s Not To Like?
Zootopia 2 keeps a balance of both professional and personal arcs for Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. The film notches up the level of difficulties and complications for the two cops, or may we say “Partners In Crisis” but it also gives the characters enough space to retrospect about the differences between them.
Talking about the plot, Zootopia 2 is thrilling and full of surprises. I loved the idea of how the world of Zootopia was expanded in the film, and the origin of this world was connected to the reptiles. A specie that deserves more kindness, for sure. For a moment, I started to empathise with the snakes, damn. The story was well connected in the end, not just the case, but also the closure that Judy and Nick gave to each other. The two opening up about their feelings for each other while accepting their differences has to be the most hard-hitting moments in the film. One of the reasons why I will say that the film is meant for the adults too. In the most simple language, Zootopia 2 reminds us that two people can exist together despite the differences. Something that we have kind of forgotten! The film does not dip at any point, and keeps us on the edge, as if we in on this case with Judy and Nick.
Not just from a human POV, but also from a political POV, Zootopia makes a subtle comment on the misuse of power by the influential figures, uses species as metaphor to show stereotypes against race and the discrimination there, of course.
The Ratatoullie and the Shining references in the film speaks volumes about Jared Bush and Byron Howard being big movie buffs. I remember having a wide smile on my face when these references were squished in between the plot, very evidently.
It’s hard to choose on favourite character in Zootopia 2. All of them are fun and cute. However, more than Judy Hopps, it’s was Nick Wilde that I enjoyed watching in the sequel. The sarcastic, using jokes to hide real feelings, somewhat like Chandler, and the straightforward nature double in this film was every bit entertaining. Pawbert Lynxley (Andy Samberg), the youngest in the Lynxley family trying to prove his worth is the surprise package here. Special mentions to Nibbles Maplestick (Fortune Feimster), a beaver, and Mayor Brian Winddancer (Patrick Warburton) for making my cheeks hurt! The actors have done a great job with the voiceovers!
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Zootopia 2 is not something extraordinary, neither does it deal with themes that we may have not watched in other Disney films, but it stays true to the assignment it takes up, which is to make us happy. And of course, the gentle reminders!
Verdict!
Zootopia 2 is an escape that we desperately need in these wild times. If you want to laugh, clap, feel mushy, empathise, retrospect and just have a good time at the movies, then Zootopia 2 releasing on November 26, is the perfect watch for you. Take your kids along, if you don’t have one, I’d suggest go alone for this one and feel like a kid again!
First Published: November 26, 2025 1:16 PM
