Nine years following the release of the Academy Award-winning Disney feature, “Zootopia” (2016), its sequel finally landed on the big screen.
“Zootopia” has an Oscar, a 98% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and an over $1 billion box office total. The sequel had large shoes to fill to meet fan expectations. Those expectations were blown out of the water just one week into the release.
Disney’s last few projects have been everything but original. From the releases of sequels like “Moana 2” and “Freakier Friday,” along with live-action remakes like “Mufasa: The Lion King,” “Snow White” and “Lilo & Stitch,” there are very few notable original releases from Disney as of late.
This constant cycle of remakes and sequels was met with mixed to negative reviews from both audiences and critics alike. Notably, the live-action remake of “Snow White” received such a strong backlash it was a box-office bomb, grossing only $205 million against a $270 million budget.
With 180 reviews from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, “Zootopia 2” holds a 92% positive rating. In two weeks, it already grossed over $900 million and is estimated to make $1.5 billion to $1.7 billion. This includes a near $300 million opening weekend from China, the second-largest for a foreign film in Chinese history.
This film is one of Disney’s few recent sequels that holds its own against its original at the box office. Its deep cast only helps, with the original cast returning, including Ginnifer Goodwin as Judy Hopps, Jason Bateman as Nick Wilde and Shakira as Gazelle. Disney went into its bag and brought in huge supporting acts with Andy Samberg as Pawbery Lynxley, Patrick Warburton as Mayor Winddancer and Ke Huy Quan as Gary De’Snake, along with a series of celebrity cameos.
“Zootopia 2” directly follows the events of the original, with the dynamic duo Hopps and Wilde, now partners at the Zootopia Police Department, continuing their endeavor to prove that a fox and a bunny can work together. However, they botched their first case together and were sent to “partner therapy” with Dr. Fuzzby (Quinta Brunson) by Chief Bogo (Idris Elba).
Following their session, Hopps learned about the Zootennial Gala, a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Lynxley Journal, which created the weatherwalls that separate the climates of Zootopia. A century ago, a snake attempted to steal the journal, which led to the killing of a tortoise and the banishment of snakes and reptiles from Zootopia.
Wilde and Hopps went to the gala out of concern another snake would try to steal the journal. Their concern was proven right, but the snake insisted the lynxleys are the bad guys. After believing the snake, Wilde and Hopps went on the run after protecting a fugitive and almost killing Chief Bogo.
While on the run, they are led by Nibbles Maplestick (Fortune Feimster) into a secret, underground society of the last remaining reptiles in Zootopia. There, they learned a secret message is hidden in the metal cover of the journal and can only be read by a snake.
After they are discovered by police, Wilde and Hopps are separated. Wilde is arrested and Hopps is rescued by the snake and Lynxley, who is working with the snake. Hopps learns it wasn’t a lynxley that wrote the journal and created the weatherwalls, but a snake who has the original patent hidden in her home.
“Zootopia 2” did everything the original does and, in some ways, better. The franchise continued its phenomenal world-building of the ever-expanding Zootopia, and it was undeniably funny, never shying away from a good pun or from the morals and lessons established in the first film.
This world of Zootopia had so much potential and used the ability to meet numerous new characters in every environment it held. Audiences were introduced to the world of Marsh Market, where the reptiles lived in hiding and got to experience the history of Zootopia, including its founding.
The first film’s focus on discrimination and power is only expounded in this film. It explored topics of fear-mongering by people in power and the discriminatory displacement of people from their land. It shows how the rich and powerful can easily create a narrative, taking more power for themselves.
Of course, the best part of both of these films was the dynamic between Wilde and Hopps. The confession scene following their near-death experiences was nothing but a tear-jerker: a gorgeous proclamation of care and love.
This film is for all ages. It featured many pop culture references that older generations can enjoy, along with a masterful visual journey and fun characters kids love. Disney proved it can expand its original ideas without relying on older plot points.
Disney absolutely has a blossoming franchise in its hands, and with the post-credit scene showing it may expand its world by introducing birds, it looks like it will capitalize on it.
