Zootopia 2 Review: Nick and Judy’s Newest Case and an “Easter Egg” Ending?

Now available on digital platforms (Fandango at Home, Movies Anywhere, Prime Video…) is the animated family film from Disney, Zootopia 2. The film will be released on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on March 3, 2026.

The film brings back the voice talents of Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, and even singer Shakira. The film also has the voice talents from many major names in Hollywood including Patrick Warburton, Idris Elba, Andy Sandberg, Bonnie Hunt and Danny Trejo to name a few.

In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootopia 2, rookie cops Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman) find themselves on the twisting trail of a great mystery when Gary De’Snake (voiced by Academy Award® winner Ke Huy Quan) arrives in Zootopia and turns the animal metropolis upside down. To crack the case, Judy and Nick must go undercover to unexpected new parts of town, where their growing partnership is tested like never before.

It’s been nearly a decade since we last saw Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, and let’s be honest: in the world of sequels, a ten-year gap usually smells like a “cynical cash grab.” But after seeing Zootopia 2, I can happily report that Disney has managed to pull a rabbit out of a hat—or rather, a very persistent bunny out of a ZPD cruiser.

If you’re wondering if the magic is still there, the answer is a resounding yes. This isn’t just a rehash of the first film; it’s a smart, visually stunning expansion that proves there are still plenty of stories to tell in this concrete jungle (more on that later).

The heart of the movie remains the chemistry between Judy and Nick. Now that they are official partners in the ZPD, the “will-they-won’t-they” energy has evolved into a deep, complicated friendship.

What I loved most about this installment was how it addressed their “emotional insecurities.” Judy is still a bit of a control freak, and Nick still uses sarcasm as a shield. Watching them navigate a mandatory “Partners in Crisis” therapy session—led by a delightfully deadpan new character—is some of the funniest and most relatable writing Disney has done in years.

The plot kicks off when a mysterious reptile named Gary De’Snake (voiced by the incredible Ke Huy Quan) arrives in the mammal-only metropolis. Since reptiles have been banned for generations, his presence sends the city into a tailspin. After Gary pleads with Judy to help him, this kicks of a “buddy-cop” noir investigation that feels like Lethal Weapon meets National Treasure. What does Gary De’Snake need their help with? To find out you’ll need to check out Zootopia 2 for yourself. I don’t want to giveaway too many details.

In Zootopia 2 we get to visit brand-new districts like the Marsh Market, a swampy, neon-lit underworld for semi-aquatic mammals and hidden reptiles. We also get to meet a new cast of characters, each one voiced to perfection.

• Gary (Ke Huy Quan): Brings a vulnerable, hopeful energy to the “villain” role that isn’t quite what it seems.
• Nibbles Maplestick (Fortune Feimster): A conspiracy-theorist beaver who steals every scene she’s in.
• Pawbery Lynxley (Andy Samberg): The “fail-son” of the wealthy Lynxley family, who serves as a fascinating foil to Judy.

The Lynxley family, which Pawbery belongs to, is a group of “morally depraved” lynxes who provide a more systemic type of villainy than Ms. Bellwether did in the first film.

With this new group of villains the film tackles heavy themes like gentrification, historical erasure, and systemic prejudice without feeling like it’s preaching to you. It’s a “message movie” that remembers to be a “fun movie” first.

The animation in this film is amazing. Sometimes the backgrounds look almost too realistic. I especially love all the attention to details such as payphones at different heights and a bar counter made to hold water for the dolphin bartender. Disney never ceases to amaze me when it comes to their animated films.

I also loved the puns in this film. Some kids might not get, but adults will. For example; “A-Moose Bouche” catering company and “YouTube” as “Ewe-Tube”. The parodies and background gags are as sharp as ever.

There is also plenty of thrilling action, especially the high-speed chase through the city’s “Tube” transport system and the crumbling honeymoon lodge.

t’s hard to beat the original’s novelty, but Zootopia 2 feels like a more mature, confident film. It’s funnier, the stakes feel more personal, and it leaves the door wide open for a third installment which might be part of the “Easter Egg” scene at the very end of the film when a large feather falls down from the sky. Perhaps in another sequel Judy and Nick will take to the skies? We’ll see…

There is bonus content for this film.

Bonus Features*

• Featurettes:

o   The Zookeepers — Trot along with writer/director Jared Bush and director Byron Howard for a tour of Walt Disney Animation Studios! Get a behind the scenes look as they open up the doors to meet cast and crew and share about all the work done to bring the movie to life.

o   A City of Stars — Meet the fur-tastic voice actors behind the cast of Zootopia 2 as filmmakers share the joy of having the original cast returning and how each new role found its purr-fect match.

o   Everybody Can Draw! — Sketch along with Benson Shum, Animation Supervisor, as he talks about his role on Zootopia 2 and guides viewers in drawing everyone’s favorite new beaver, Nibbles!

o   Zoo-prising Secrets — Uncover ssssurprising references and characters from some of your favorite Walt Disney Animation Studios films hidden throughout the movie, along with fun facts.

o   Wilde Times in the Booth — Hop inside the recording booth for plenty of laughs and behind-the-scenes fun. See how the hilarious cast brings their characters to life!

o   The Treat Trolley — Meet the cheerful crew behind the Treat Trolley that brings smiles and snacks throughout the halls of Disney Animation to keep the studio artists fueled and energized.

o   “Zoo” Music Video by Shakira — Celebrate friendship and adventure with Shakira in her music video for the movie’s new song, “Zoo.” 

• Deleted Scenes – Check out the scenes that didn’t make the final cut, with an overall introduction by directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard.

• • What’s In the Box?

• • Where Are They Now?
  • Animal Hospital

• • Welcome to the Team

• • Desert Festival

• • Clawhauser Tracks Judy

• • A Plight at the Museum

• • Clawhauser’s Family

*Bonus features vary by product and retailer

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The official movie hashtag is #Zootopia2.

Zootopia 2 has a run time of 108 minutes and is rated PG.
Check out the trailer below.

Kimberly

*I received a free digital copy of this film in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.