Throughout the history of cinema there have been great famous detective partners, including Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, Batman and Robin, and Lethal Weapons’ Riggs and Murtaugh. Joining that list are Hopps and Wilde, taking on the second biggest case of their careers in the animated sequel Zootopia 2.
Bunny Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin, Once Upon a Time) is determined to show all her police co-workers that she and her new partner, Nick Wilde the fox (voiced by Jason Bateman, Black Rabbit), are the dream team of partners. Unfortunately, in their desire to crack a smuggling case, they ignore orders and get caught up in a high-profile chase that causes lots of property damage in Zootopia.
Furious about their behavior, Chief Bogg (voiced by Idris Elba, A House of Dynamite) gives them an ultimatum: partners counseling to learn to work better together or he’ll split them up. They also need to lie low for a while.
Judy agrees, but she has no intention of lying low. After the high-speed chase, Judy noticed shed snakeskin at the crime scene. That’s strange because, as Nick says, “No snake has set foot in Zootopia forever.” Judy won’t be stopped and Nick finally agrees to join her investigation.
A snake sneaks into the Zootopia gala and attempts a heist, and Hopps and Wilde give chase. When Judy catches up to him, he declares, “Snakes aren’t the bad guys. I have to set things right and when I do, my family will finally be able to come home.”
Judy realizes he’s telling the truth and lets him escape. Hopps and Wilde’s “off the books” investigation leads to the discovery of a new mystery that involves a secret reptile population. The investigation will test their partnership and may even threaten to break it up.
Bright, action-packed, and visually stunning, Zootopia 2 is a funny, emotional, and creative mystery adventure with fantastic animation and a wonderful voice cast. Ginnifer Goodwin returns as the voice of Judy Hopps, who’s still upbeat and positive but now also determined to prove to everyone that she and Nick are the greatest partners of all time. Goodwin brings Judy to life once again with such energy and hopefulness that she’s impossible not to like and root for.
Jason Bateman returns as the sly fox Nick Wilde, whose life as a con artist is over and who just wants to be Judy’s partner. Bateman is perfect, giving Nick his devil-may-care attitude but also showing later in the film that although Judy’s main goal is to solve the case, Nick’s is to make sure Judy is safe. It’s the friendship and chemistry between these two characters that’s the heart and soul of the film.
The introduction of the new character Gary, a blue pit viper snake (voiced by Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan, Everything, Everywhere All at Once) and the mystery that surrounds him is also a plus and a big part of the film. However, the addition of Nibbles, the conspiracy-believing beaver (voiced by Fortune Feimster, FUBAR) who helps Hopps and Wilde on their case, quickly goes from odd but helpful to just plain annoying.
The animation and visual designs are breathtaking. Especially wondrous is the new secret area called Marsh Market and the chase through it. Also impressive is the Zootopia Gala with its lavish colors and dazzling look.
The writing is clever and witty with some very funny, laugh-out-loud lines. And of course there are positive messages for children about loyalty, not judging a book by its cover, and friendship. There is, however, a scene late in the film where Judy and Nick are both in serious danger, which might be too intense and upsetting for children under seven.
Still, with plenty of heart, glorious animation, fun action, and an extremely talented voice cast, Zootopia 2 is just as much fun as the critically acclaimed original film.
GRADE: B
Rating: PG for rude humor, action, and violence
Release Date: November 26, 2025
Running Time: 1 hour 48 minutes
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
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