AtanariaI loved Zootopia (2016) for its clever humor, memorable characters, and its nuanced take on societal issues. It balanced sharp social commentary with visual flair and charming storytelling. Enter Zootopia 2, which attempts to recapture that magic—but unfortunately, it falls short.
The film picks up with Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) and Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) enjoying their newfound fame after saving Zootopia. When Judy uncovers a new threat—a snake lurking in the city—she and Nick find themselves at odds over how to handle it. While the story sets up potential tension and adventure, the narrative quickly becomes familiar territory. The sequel mirrors the original film’s broad strokes and social commentary, but in a much simpler, less nuanced way. Where the first Zootopia made prejudice and bias feel complex and believable, this sequel’s villains and conflicts feel one-dimensional and predictable.
Humor, too, is inconsistent. There are genuinely funny moments—particularly from new characters like Nibbles Maplestick (voiced by Fortune Feimster)—but the film misses the consistently witty and clever beats that made the first movie so memorable. Many jokes fall flat, leaving large stretches of the movie feeling forgettable.
Character development is another weak spot. The sequel struggles to make both new and returning characters compelling. Nick and Judy, once so dynamic and engaging, are essentially going through the motions of their previous arcs. The new characters, from the Lynxley family to Mayor Winddancer, fail to leave a lasting impression, often feeling underdeveloped or unnecessary. Even notable actors like David Strathairn and Macaulay Culkin are given minimal screen time, making the ensemble feel overcrowded yet hollow.
Visually, Zootopia 2 still delivers Disney-quality animation, and a few sight gags land effectively, but the storytelling and character work just don’t live up to the original. The film feels like a safe sequel designed to capitalize on the first movie’s success rather than expand its world in a meaningful way.
Ultimately, Zootopia 2 isn’t terrible, but it doesn’t justify its existence. It’s watchable for kids or Disney+ audiences looking for light entertainment, but for anyone hoping for the cleverness, heart, and social insight of the first film, it’s a disappointment.
