Photo Credit: Walt Disney Animation Studios, 2025

After nearly a decade, the incredibly successful Disney franchise “Zootopia” has made a comeback with their sequel “Zootopia 2.” The newest installment “Zootopia 2” directed by Trent Corey and Dan Abraham had many viewers booking their seat at the movies, even surpassing the original in the box office as it has earned 1.13 billion whereas the first made 1.025 billion. The sequel follows protagonist Judy Hopps and her partner in crime Nick Wilde as they dive in a new mystery revolving around a suspected fugitive Gary De’Snake.

Much like the original, the second installment did not disappoint in terms of themes. Themes were a huge part of the success of the first movie as it had received a lot of praise due to incorporating important yet dark subjects such as prejudice, discrimination, and stereotyping into a kids movie. The sequel took after the first covering topics such as political corruption, colonialism, and gentrification. Despite discussing such serious matters, the movie encompasses them in a way that is palatable to their intended audience which is children. Growing up watching the first film in theaters, I found the movie to be incredibly eye opening due to the thematic elements, but still entertaining because of the way in which the franchise framed these themes around the main mystery, suspense, and action. At 17, I am able to see the themes from a different perspective as I now have more understanding of heavy subject matters than I did nine years ago and found myself appreciating the thematic elements even more for how well catered they were to a young and impressionable audience.

In addition to the beloved lead characters Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, the sequel introduces the audience to new characters like Gary De’Snake, Nibbles Maplestick, and the Lynxley family. All of which are animals the audience hasn’t seen the franchise prior to the sequel. Gary in particular, who plays a major role in the course of the movie, is a snake which is relevant as the franchise hasn’t featured reptilians in the movies before. The representation of various species, specifically reptiles, contributes to the diversity of the characters and also continues the allegory of racism and prejudice in the previous movie.

Moreover, not only has the movie surpassed the first in terms of revenue, it also has kept up if not surpassed the original in terms of critic ratings. On the highly acclaimed critic rating site, Letterboxd, it has reached a score of 3.8 out of 5 which is slightly above the first at 3.7. I personally found the movie to be very enjoyable due to the introduction of new and refreshing characters who are huge contributors to the advancement of the plot and storyline. Additionally, the detective aspect of the sequel was up to par with the first keeping audience members engaged as they tried to unravel the mystery.

Furthermore, the movie succeeded in terms of sound design. The first was known for creating the song “Try Everything” by Shakira who plays the famous pop star Gazelle in the Zootopia metropolis. Similarly, the second marks Shakira’s return with Zoo co-written by Ed Sheeran and Blake Slatkin. The song had achieved success in the charts achieving accomplishments like peaking at #10 on YouTube Music Global Weekly. The soundtrack accompanied with the visuals of Gazelle’s performance at the festival tied the movie to an end in a way that was satisfactory yet fun.

To conclude, “Zootopia 2” was a successful sequel as it generated more revenue, covered heavier topics, and presented several complex characters. In spite of it being a kids movie it created a storyline that was amusing for all ages through discussing sophisticated issues like colonialism and gentrification. With a well thought out and executed narrative the sequel exceeds its predecessor living up to the legacy of the original.

“Zootopia 2” is available in theaters for a limited time.