Early in Zootopia 2, the Zootopia Police Department honors ambitious bunny cop Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and her fox partner Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) for their role in ending stereotyping—an ironic nod to the original film’s focus on carnivore-versus-herbivore prejudice, while also acknowledging that interspecies bigotry persists.

Figure 1. Zootopia 2 Shows How Laughter Can Explore Big Issues.

Discrimination still runs rampant in Zootopia, and Hopps and Wilde remain at the forefront of fighting it. Directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard skillfully balance political messaging about diversity with visual gags, pop-culture references, and delightfully silly characters, keeping the film lively and avoiding preachiness. Fast-paced chase sequences and rapid-fire jokes ensure there’s always something to laugh at, even if some gags miss the mark. Figure 1 shows Zootopia 2 Shows How Laughter Can Explore Big Issues.

As the city’s first rabbit-and-fox police duo, Hopps and Wilde are initially deemed “dysfunctional” compared to same-species pairings, like the perpetually hoof-bumping zebra team, the Zeebros (voiced by Roman Reigns and CM Punk). Hopps remains fiercely determined to prove herself, often ignoring Chief Bogo’s (Idris Elba) orders and Wilde’s advice. Much of the humor and heart stems from Wilde’s evolution—from a sarcastic, self-assured fox to a partner who genuinely cares for Hopps’ well-being.

As with the best cop protagonists, Judy Hopps isn’t afraid to confront those in power to uncover the truth. She risks her hard-earned career to investigate pit viper Gary De’Snake (Ke Huy Quan, Loki, Everything Everywhere All at Once), who crashes a centennial party hosted by Zootopia’s wealthy founding family, the Lynxleys. Gary insists he’s only trying to reunite his family, prompting Hopps to dig into the city’s history.

Much like the original Zootopia became an accidental anti-Trump allegory with its take on the darker side of populism, Zootopia 2 tackles stolen land and the displacement of marginalized groups—a bold choice for a Thanksgiving release. Bush’s script handles these heavy themes gently, noting that most reptiles now live elsewhere, but the filmmakers’ willingness to provoke thought stands out amid Disney’s recent trend of nostalgia-heavy or pro-monarchy stories.

The stakes are underscored by the contrast between Gary, a relentlessly optimistic snake who politely asks “Permission to hug?” before embracing new friends, and the villainous Lynxleys. Bush and Howard continue layering references for audiences of all ages, from nods to Ratatouille and Lady and the Tramp to sharper pop-culture jabs for grown-ups. The Lynxleys resemble an extended parody of Succession, with David Strathairn channeling Brian Cox as patriarch Milton Lynxley, perpetually surrounded by sycophantic, smartphone-obsessed children Cattrick (Macaulay Culkin) and Kitty (Brenda Song). Milton is particularly menacing when reprimanding his awkward youngest son Pawbert (Andy Samberg) or intimidating Zootopia’s new, vapid former-action-star mayor, Brian Winddancer (Patrick Warburton, echoing his Kronk from The Emperor’s New Groove).

Though the themes are weighty, Zootopia 2 races forward with a series of spectacular chase sequences that showcase the city’s diverse creatures and environments. Highlights include a gnu marching band, a Burning Man-style desert rave where pop star Gazelle (Shakira) debuts a catchy new tune, and a waterslide highway system for amphibious residents. Every scene burst with vibrant color and meticulous detail, offering new visual discoveries with each viewing. Even quieter moments shine, from the absurdity of the hulking water buffalo Bogo sipping a rodent-sized cocktail to the warm, radiant hues illustrating how Gary experiences the world through his pit-viper heat sensors.

While the story isn’t as tightly structured as the original—where Hopps and Wilde’s dynamic was more directly tied to the central conflict—it remains ambitious in its heartfelt effort to deliver a big moral message within an immersive, visually stunning world. With a stellar voice cast, dazzling animation, and humor that appeals to every age, Zootopia 2 is an ideal family film for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Source: Polygon

Cite this article:

Priyadharshini S (2025), Zootopia 2 Demonstrates How Humor Can Tackle Serious Themes, AnaTechMaz, pp.348