My Own Personal Nerdy Disney and Animation Scrutinizing Analyses: "Zootopia 2" - The Mandatory and Expected, But Successful Sequel to The Unexpected and Surprising Hit of the Revival Era

Hi folks! Welcome to my My Own Personal Nerdy Disney and Animation Scrutinizing Analysis blog. A blog where I'm analyzing several Disney films, Disney or Animation in general! These entries are just meant to be my analyses. Not reviews or statements. Just fun analyses! Though I'll make some personal remarks now and then, the content of these entries are meant to be depicted objectively. They're made for entertainment purpose only and the pictures/clips are copyright Disney or other companies.

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And finally; If you haven't seen the films, beware of spoilers! And the funny lines aren't meant to be nothing than funny. So I hope you won't find them offensive. If so, I apologize

Yes, I (Gary) had to exaggerate for the sake of art :)

Yes, it was hard to get enough
space to all of us here :)

We live in a movie business where sequels have become so common that they`ve become franchises. Some of them bigger than others. However, there are always exceptions to a rule and if there was a company who used to an exception, it was Disney. It`s hard to believe that the influential and well-known company who once had a non-sequel policy and just churned out cheapquels on a daily basis (for a while) have now turned around and made actual full-length sequels. There were never sequels made during Walt`s time, as he was against it and the sequel to Three Little Pigs flopped. However, during the Renaissance, there was one sequel that arrived with little fanfare and promotion and that was The Rescuers Down Under.

Don`t worry, you`ll (Nibbles)
become my snack later on ;)

Unfortunately, Down Under suffered from a bad fate, as it was underpromoted, suffered a bad opening and it`s underperformance made Disney sweep it under the rug. And therefore Disney didn`t dare to make theatrical sequels (well, at least if you don`t count Fantasia 2000, who despite wasn`t a sequel to a complete story, still could`ve been perceived as a one). Which fueled to the famous cheapquel phase, which lasted for almost fifteen years. And sullied the reputation of the company when Disney left the Renaissance and eventually Hand Drawn animation for good when they entered another dark era.

Yes, we`re soaring through
the help of air below us :)

However, when Disney slowly rised to success again, there essentially
released two full-length, theatrical sequels. Perhaps it wasn`t strange due to how times have changed. And how CGI animation is perceived of being faster and less time consuming than Hand Drawn. With Wreck-it-Ralph, it wasn`t strange that it was given a sequel, as it`s premise lent to one (despite how the buzz of that movie mostly surrounded the Princess cameos and rarely about it`s premise). And despite how the sequel didn`t set the world on fire, it still was a minor hit. With Frozen, it`s sequel was clearly made for commercial reasons. But a sequel to Frozen was clearly unique and remarkable for being a sequel to a fairy tale (which rarely lent to a sequel). But five years after the huge, mandatory success of Frozen II and after a string of flops, Disney ventured into sequel territory with last years surprise of Moana 2. Which was mandatory and gained the company success once again. And now comes Zootopia 2.

General Information About Zootopia 2

Arriving nine years after the surprising and unexpected success of it`s predecessor, there was no question that Zootopia was going to get a sequel. However, it`s still noteworthy how it took so long to get one. With the exception of the small mini-series from 2022, Zootopia+, the franchise haven`t been milked as much with movies or shorts. The surprising announcement of Moana 2 was a clear result of how desperate times craves for desperate measures. And it was a measure that pulled off, as it was a huge hit. Perhaps it wasn`t strange how Zootopia 2 was released now, since Disney was entering another Dark Era. But as for the crew of Zootopia 2, it`s been directed by one previous director, Byron Howard. And a newcomer, Jared Bush (replacing Rich Moore. who left Disney). Written by Bush and produced by Yvett Merino.

Composed by Michael Giacchino, once again. Most of the the voice actors, Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Shakira, Idris Elba, Alan Tudyk, Nate Torrence, Don Lake, Bonnie Hunt, and Jenny Slate, reprised their roles from the first film. With Ke Huy Quan, Fortune Feimster, Andy Samberg, David Strathairn, Patrick Warburton, Quinta Brunson, and Danny Trejo. Voice cameos as Stephanie Beatriz (Encanto), Wilmer Valderrama, Macaulay Culkin, Brenda Song, John Leguizamo, Leah Latham, Auliʻi Cravalho, Milan and Sasha Piqué (Shakira`s sons), Ed Sheeran as Ed Shearin, Bob Iger as Bob Tiger, Michael J. Fox as Michael J., Josh Gad, Anika Noni Rose, Dwayne Johnson. And even Jared Bush, Rachel House (Moana) and Byron Howard have some cameo voices.

The Reception of the Post-Revival Era of Disney

Yes, I (Olaf) know that I`m
standing out. But I can`t help
that they called me to join
this picture :)

If we`re regarding this new era of Disney, it`s been unclear if Disney has truly entered a new flop era. But at least what could`ve been said about it is how their original premises has flopped. And fueled to the stigma how original, animated properties who aren`t franchise-related aren`t commercial enough anymore (well, at least for now, as one could always hope that original movies are going to become bankable again). But regarding the five features who`s preceeded Zootopia 2, four of them were actually original properties. But two of them, Raya and the Last Dragon and Encanto were hampered by the pandemic, despite how Encanto managed to become a little hit of it`s own (due to the popularity of it`s soundtrack). Then came Strange World, which was basically swept under the rug and the ambitious, Centennial Wish. Which essentially became the new Black Sheep of the company, as critics mostly panned it and most audiences responded in the same way. Despite how it was steeped in the same formula that Disney are synonymous with.

I`m (Nick) trying to be nice to
you, so you`ll won`t eat me
later on :)

With both of the new post-pandemic movies it was clear that Disney was entering a new Dark Age (as it could`ve been perceived as a synergy, as the Revival Era heavily mirrored and followed the Renaissance Era). But Moana 2 reversed it and turned the fate around for Disney (despite how most critics were lukewarm about it. Which is a shame, cause it was a better movie than it`s predecessor. Yes, don`t hate me, purists). And Zootopia 2 has reversed the trend. While we`re still waiting for the two upcoming Frozen sequels and having the upcoming Hexed next year (another original property), it`s interesting to see where the company is headed financially and critically. But also if a original property will be successful. But at least Zootopia 2 is distinctive enough of being it`s own genre, after following two female-centered musicals in a row.

The Trademarks of the First Zootopia

We wanted to race with
Lightning McQueen and his
gang :)

The first Zootopia was a remarkable movie for Disney in many ways. It was noteworthy for being an completely anthrophomorpic animal movie, taking place in an anthrophomorpic animal world (which made it instantly comparable to it`s anthrophomorpic animal cousins, Robin Hood and Chicken Little. The latter movie being one of Disney`s true Black Sheeps). But it was also noteworthy for it`s cleverness. For being a smartly written movie with social commentary (and yes, which could`ve been perceived as a metaphor for racism). For someone who was never enamored with the first movie (as I`ve personally only found it good, but not great), as I personally didn`t thought that it truly deserved it`s huge success (despite how I have nothing against it).

Yes, even a sheep needs a
deodorant. Don`t ask why :)

However, since some naysayers were starting to see through the new Revival formula (which were road movies with a sparring dynamic between two leads of each gender), Zootopia was steeped in those components. And despite how Zootopia was not technically a road movie and frankly while the Revival era had at least some variety to them (as not all of them felt like they were from the same cloth), it felt still like it could`ve come from that era. But despite that nitpick, Zootopia was a critical success, too. And was the first of two releases from Disney in 2016, preceeding the more traditional Moana later on. And it`s unexpected success fitted right among all the successes of the Revival era.

The Plot, The New Characters and Nick and Judy`s Dynamic

Regarding the plot of the sequel, at least the creators shall have credit for coming up with a new storyline. While it`s perhaps not as different from it`s predecessor, it doesn`t feel like a rehash either. But like most sequels does, Zootopia 2 introduces us to new characters. Like Gary De`Snake (who made an end credits cameo in Moana 2), Nibbles Maplestick the beaver, the Lynxes, the Horse Mayor Winddancer, Anthony Snootley (anteater), Dr. Fuzzby (a quokka) and Jesús (a basilisk). And yes, the biggest star of the piece, Shakira, returns with a new song (Zoo, which sounds like a revamped version of Waka Waka. And was also co-written by Ed Sheeran). And yes, there has been wishes about how Judy and Nick should become a couple. And while their dynamic could`ve been easily interpreted as a couple, their dynamic mostly works in a platonic level. And sure, it`s filled with mandatory sparring as expected.

The Information About Zootopia 2 Revealed to the Public

Yes, you`re too heavy, Judy :)

As for the information of Zootopia 2 leaked to the public, the truth is that Disney are still rolling with their secret policy. However, Matt Smith (Officer McHorn), confirmed he would reprise his role in 2017. In 2018, Rich Moore tweeted about the sequel. In November 2019, Goodwin confirmed that a sequel was happening. But Bush retweeted about it in 2023. In October 2023, Grace Randolph tweeted that the results from that screening were the best results. In March 2024, an article from Screen Rant was published (where Gary was confirmed). In April Goodwin posted a photo of her recording on Instagram. In August, an artwork of the characters was posted.

Even we have to wait in line,
despite how we`re all stars
now :)

At the D23 Expo that same year, it was announced that Zootopia 2 would feature reptiles, and Ke Huy Quan was announced as Gary. The sequence where Nick and Judy search for Gary in Marsh Market was shown. Later in August, the official synopsis was released. On September 19, Bush confirmed that Byron Howard, had returned as co-director. In November at the D23 Expo in Brazil, Shakira announced that she would be returning. In December, the Easter Eggs were revealed. And a tweet about Gary. In January 2025, a tweet about the synopsis was revealed. On April 3, a Tweet about Dr. Fuzzby was tweeted. And at CinemaCon, new footage from the film was shown (the therapy scene and the arrival at Marsh Market) that revealed the casting of Quinta Brunson. In May, an interview of Goodwin was released. As with the teaser poster and teaser trailer (which Byron Howard storyboarded).

We wanted to have 1990`s
pose :)

At the 2025 Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June, it was announced that Jean Reno would join the cast, and that Maurice LaMarche would reprise his role. And some clips from the movie were shown (the therapy scene, the ball scene, the chase of Gary and the Marsh Market. Where animation was more complete). A picture of Mayor Winddancer was leaked. In July, a new poster and a trailer was revealed. In August, an article with some new pictures and information was published.

Guests at the Disney Vacation Club Member Cruise were the first to see footage from the movie. In September, many new articles were released, as with the final trailer and a new poster. In October, Shakira`s Zoo was released, as well as more trailers, TV spots and posters. In November, articles about the Box Office predicitons were posted, as well as the fake movie posters.

Behind the Scenes Information

Yes, those who dressed me
thought that I was a human :)

The idea for a sequel to Zootopia was considered even before it`s premiere. As for Gary, Quan was cast after an interview on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. As he brought vulnerability, heart, and sincerity. For Zootopia 2, Presto was used for the first time, replacing the older Maya systems. As some scenes used it and others didn’t, depending on the characters. Making animators to work concurrently. Disney’s hand drawn team, like Eric Goldberg, shared how to move snakes. Animating a snake was challenge and something that wasn`t done in CG before. Gary was one of the most technically complex characters Disney has ever made. His design has many individually articulated scales: 448 on his head, 160 on his belly, and 2,392 on his back. He even has two tongues.

We`re trying to do our own
version of the Stampede of
The Lion King :)

The crew wanted to make up a story reason why snakes weren`t

shown in the first movie. But it was hard to find deep research on reptiles. The crew spent time at wildlife centers and had animals brought to the building. But major research was done during COVID, so it was harder to do. The team made many trips to the Los Angeles Zoo. Actor Tiny Lister passed away five years ago, his voice is heard as Finnick. According to Giacchino, it was the most insane score he`s ever written. The directors told him to make it dumber and push it. Giacchino even used homemade creations from his kids, as a brass gong unused in the family home for years. And he looked to The Empire Strikes Back for inspiration. Robert Irwin won a contest to see Zootopia 2 and also voiced the koala named Robert Furwin. Zootopia 2 demanded designers who could expand the city both geographically and tonally. The artists used modular “street blocks” to build out the environment in 3D, layering textures and details. The Southeast Asian water markets was as a reference for Marsh Market. A gag from a coworker’s comment, beavers using their tails as boat propellers, ended up in her concept art.

I (Nick) wanted to make my
eyes huge for the sake of art :)

Shakira's two sons, Milan and Sasha,

recorded their lines alongside their mother. And they were spontaneous, and it was very easy for them to record. While it was rumored that Howard had left the directing chair, he still joined it afterwards. The premise gave directors to pay homage to great horror classics, as The Shining and The Silence of the Lambs. With the grand manor and the giant maze in the back of it. As much as they loved the idea, But it was hard to pull off. Cause the animators didn’t just have to build a maze with millions of leaves, it would have to be covered in snow. Taking the idea a step further, And having Snowcat smash the crap out of it, they have to rig the animation to be destroyed.

This house is from the planet
Montressor from Treasure
Planet. Sort of :)

Merino wanted to work with Danny Trejo. Howard wanted both Nick and Judy to have their same traits. VanTuyle made a collaborative system that creates creativity while minimizing costly mistakes. Bringing together story artists, directors, and other departments in ‘story brain jams’ to test ideas, sketch sequences, and explore character interactions before committing them to animation. Some ideas, like the speakeasy who burps out of its skin to a live reptile band using their bodies as instruments, another one playing strings with its tongue and another opening its frill while playing the trombone, were a nightmare to animate. The sign in Marsh Market for Marlin West is a nod to Marlon West. Goodwin always wears Judy`s ears when she records.

Epilogue

At the end,

Zootopia 2 is another theartical sequel to Disney`s library. And it`s a proof of how Disney are going to milk their successful franchises for what it`s worth. Sure, it`s needless to state how Zootopia 2 is a mandatory result of the success of it`s predecessor. But we live in a World where Hollywood is what it is: Milking successes and franchises for what it`s worth for commercial reasons. But unlike the likes of it`s two human-centered movies,

Wish and Moana 2, the critical reception of Zootopia 2 was overall superior. As for the commercial reception, it`s been good, too. As it was the highest global animated opening of all time and and the highest global opening for any animated film in Disney history. And sure, such success does naturally leads to a third installment, despite how it`s not been officially greenlit yet.

As for my own personal opinion about it, the truth is that I liked it. A lot, actually. For someone who was never enamored with the original Zootopia, I thought it was a worthy successor, actually. In fact, better than it`s predecessor. It was a fun, breezy movie that was fast-paced, action-packed and hilarious. While it may not be as cleverly written as it`s predecessor, it still had it`s resonance and depth of it`s own. And despite how I haven`t detested the new pictures of this era of Disney who`s been considered to be lackluster (Strange World, Wish and Moana 2), at least Zootopia 2 still deserves to be credited among them (sorry purists and haters) and deserves to shine at it`s own right. So at the end, there`s nothing else than to welcome Zootopia 2 to Disney`s evergrowing jungle of movies and franchises.