In an age when Disney only wants to retread existing IP with its notorious live-action remakes and onslaught of sequels, it was only a matter of time before their surprise critical and commercial smash hit Zootopia (2016) got a sequel of its own. And, after the studio hastily repurposed its planned Moana TV series into a theatrical sequel, it was easy to be wary of the prospect of returning to this anthropomorphic city.

Yet, Zootopia 2 possesses a genuine understanding of what made its predecessor so special and seeks to expand it. 

After exposing the biggest crime in Zootopia’s history, Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) are now rookie cops and partners in the ZPD. However, as they try to prove themselves as officers, they start to worry that their partnership is not as ironclad as they thought. The duo is put to the test when the arrival of Gary De’Snake (Ke Huy Quan) threatens to unveil Zootopia’s biggest secret.

Jared Bush and Byron Howard return as directors, with Bush taking sole writing responsibility this time.

It’s clear their magic touch hasn’t dissipated in the almost 10 years since the original’s premiere. They continue to expand the world with the same wit as the first one. Zootopia as a setting feels more alive than ever as audiences experience familiar neighborhoods more thoroughly, like Tundratown, and dive into completely new places like the Marsh Market. Because this world is so vast and expansive, it doesn’t feel like these new areas are being retrofitted just to provide something new for a sequel. Rather, it fits into the grand scheme of things and feels natural that there’s still so much to see after only one adventure. 

Similar to the original, Bush tackles prescient social themes from our world and sculpts them into this story. This outing feels torn from the headlines, with capitalist entities grabbing land from its inhabitants while erasing their contributions to society. While some may think it’s too simple, Bush strikes the right balance. He never dumbs these themes down for younger audiences; the weight of what’s happening remains severe and clear. Most importantly, it does not feel as if it is mimicking the original. There’s honest and earnest intent from Bush to engage with this issue in a digestible way for young audiences. 

Parallel to this examination, Nick and Judy deepen their partnership. They must grapple with their differences not only in a professional setting that demands consistency but also with their ever-growing love for each other as friends. There’s much more at stake, and each copes with it in a different way, creating some interesting tension. 

Bateman particularly impresses here as he covers the cracks beneath Nick with his signature sardonic wit. He imbues an animated fox with far more layers than he has the right to. It’s understated for an animated movie, but so impactful and well done.

Goodwin’s turn as Judy feels a bit more one-note, albeit still bright and entertaining, and doesn’t really get to crack into Judy until the third act. When she does, it’s wonderfully reminiscent of the bunny we fell in love with in 2016. 

The new additions to Zootopia all bring a dash of dynamism to the equation. Quan channels his bright-eyed optimism wonderfully into Gary, beautifully playing with the shades of the viper’s personality. Fortune Feimster chews (literally) as podcasting beaver Nibbles Maplestick, bringing the perfect amount of comedic levity to each scene she’s in. 

In the end credits, a sign boldly declares, THIS IS A MOVIE MADE BY EVERYONE AT WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS. With the recent news that Bob Iger said Disney+ would allow user-generated AI content on the platform, it’s nice to see the studio’s animators take ownership of their work loudly and proudly. Because that’s what makes Zootopia 2 work.

At times, the plot beats feel familiar, as Nick and Judy work to uncover a conspiracy and bring about justice. But the heart of the people who made this story makes it the delight that it is. Each frame is awash with bright and vibrant animation that was painstakingly crafted by an artist. Every animal on screen is voiced by a game and excited performer. Every page of this script was touched by a human who had something to say. Also, only a human could dream up such a brilliant Stanley Kubrick homage.

If we’re going to be trapped in this IP-mining era of Disney, at least let it be in the vein of Zootopia 2. Is it a necessary sequel? No, but it justifies itself with its clever expansions, deeper explorations, and embrace of the world today. We could be so lucky if all of these sequels had as much painstaking heart poured into them by the artists who made them. Much like the original, it’s a piece of family media that is very much worth your time and energy.

Review Courtesy of Adam Patla

Feature Image Credit to Walt Disney Animation Studios via Variety