Zootopia 2 First Reactions: “a Hilarious, Feel-Good Family Adventure”

Key Highlights

  • Zootopia 2 opens in theaters on November 26, 2025.
  • Critics praise the sequel for being smart, funny, and heartwarming.
  • The voice cast features Ginnifer Goodwin as Judy Hopps and Jason Bateman as Nick Wilde.
  • Michael Giacchino’s score is highlighted by critics as a standout feature.

Zootopia 2: A Sequel that Lives Up to Expectations

The much-anticipated sequel, Zootopia 2, hits theaters on November 26, 2025. The film follows Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), who have now joined the Zootopia Police Department as partners. They must solve a new mystery involving the introduction of reptiles to the animal-filled metropolis.

Positive Reception

The critical response to Zootopia 2 has been overwhelmingly positive. Critics across various platforms have lauded the film for its humor, heart, and thematic depth:

  • Daniel Baptista of The Movie Podcast describes it as “wildly smart and outstanding,” exceeding expectations.
  • Rachel Leishman from The Mary Sue calls it a “cute movie about love, friendship, and the need to prove ourselves.”
  • Drew Taylor from TheWrap notes its thematic richness, stating that it is “surprisingly heartwarming.”
  • Jared Bush and Byron Howard’s direction are praised for delivering a sequel that is both entertaining and meaningful.

Funny, Heartwarming, and Moving

The film has been described as furiously funny and pausingly heartwarming. Critics from various platforms echo this sentiment:

  • Daniel Baptista of The Movie Podcast writes, “Zootopia 2 is FUR-ociously funny and PAWS-itively heartwarming.”
  • Gregory Ellwood from The Playlist adds, “It’s moving. Highly emotional.”
  • Judith Sim of ComingSoon.net says, “Zootopia 2 is an absolute blast.”

Voice Cast and Music

The voice cast features returning favorites from the original film, including Ginnifer Goodwin as Judy Hopps and Jason Bateman as Nick Wilde. New faces in the ensemble include Ke Huy Quan and Andy Samberg, who are highlighted for their standout performances:

  • Gregory Ellwood of The Playlist mentions, “Ke Huy Quan stands out in an already fantastic ensemble.”
  • Daniel Baptista of The Movie Podcast adds, “Ke Huy Quan for the win… again.”

The music is also a standout feature. Michael Giacchino’s score rules according to Drew Taylor from TheWrap, while Carla Renata from The Curvy Critic praises the new Shakira banger featured in the film.

Awards Potential and Future Implications

The critical reception suggests that Zootopia 2 is an Oscar contender:

  • Gregory Ellwood of The Playlist states, “Watch out K-Pop, you got competition for that Animated Oscar.”

This positive response indicates strong box office potential and could mark a significant milestone in the animated film industry. Zootopia 2 is set to open on November 26, 2025, promising an entertaining experience for families seeking a feel-good adventure.