‘Zootopia 2’ Review Roundup: Disney’s Sequel Impresses Critics as Rotten Tomatoes Score is Revealed
Zootopia 2 is the new animated movie from Disney, hitting theaters this November. The sequel brings back the popular buddy cop duo, Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, who are now chasing a mysterious new character named Gary De’Snake.
The film is directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, written by Bush, and produced by Yvett Merino. Original stars Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba, and Shakira return, joined by new voices including Ke Huy Quan, Andy Samberg, and Quinta Brunson.
Ssssmash that play button for the new #Zootopia2 trailer 🐍 See it only in theaters November 26. pic.twitter.com/P3Ks3N1siO
— Disney Animation (@DisneyAnimation) May 20, 2025
The movie premiered at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles on November 13, before its U.S. release on November 26. Early reactions from critics have been very positive. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an impressive 94% score based on 49 reviews.
Critics are praising the movie for its clever storytelling, lively action, and attention to detail in the animation. They say the new environments allow for exciting and dynamic scenes, while the story successfully gives Judy and Nick a bigger, more thrilling adventure.
Disney has also been recognized for adding more thoughtful social themes, though some reviewers feel the studio may not have fully pushed its creative limits this time. Overall, the film is seen as fun, heartwarming, and smartly written, appealing to both kids and adults.
The diverse environments lead to some dynamic action scenes the animators designed with complexity to take advantage of unique conditions. Judy and Nick get the sequel treatment that Lethal Weapon or Bad Boys franchises do by ramping up their adventure.
Fred Topel
The good news is that Disney has tried to be even more thoughtful and nuanced with its oppression metaphors this time around. The bad news is that the Mouse House also seems less invested in Zootopia as an artistic effort.
Caroline Siede
ZOOTOPIA2 is FUR-ociously funny and PAWS-itively heartwarming. The Disney Animation team have delivered a wildly smart and outstanding sequel that’s well worth the wait.
Daniel Baptista
Not terribly ambitious as a sequel, but thoroughly entertaining and fast-paced. Kids will love it and there’s enough in-jokes and sly references to keep adults engaged, too.
Christopher Lloyd
On the strength of its sensitivities, Zootopia 2 is applause-worthy on multiple levels… The bunny-and-fox cops leave no doubts, this udderly human and hilarious harpooning of societal ills is the G.O.A.T. of 21st-century fables.
Sherin Nicole
The movie is being called a strong sequel that delivers laughs, emotional moments, and thoughtful commentary, continuing the success of the original Zootopia.
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