On Friday, Walt Disney Animation Studios unveiled some exciting glimpses of the upcoming movie Zootopia 2, sharing its first significant sneak peek at the much-anticipated sequel during a bustling event at the Annecy international animation film festival.
Jared Bush, the freshly appointed head of creative at Disney Animation and both director and writer on the project, made his premiere at Annecy with a sneak peek of the upcoming film, Zootopia 2. The sequel brings back beloved characters Judy Hopps (a rabbit police officer) and Nick Wilde (a cunning fox con-artist), who are teaming up once more to solve a fresh mystery in their city of talking animals. This time, they’re investigating the arrival of a new resident: a reptile named Gary De’Snake, voiced by Ke Huy Quan, famously known for his role in Everything Everywhere All At Once. The unveiling took place at the Bonlieu Scène Nationale.
Bush discovered that Quan was the ideal choice for playing Gary, the venomous yet misunderstood snake, after catching his energetic Oscar-winning performance on The Stephen Colbert Show. Finding him to be perfectly suited for the role, they decided to cast him.
Under the leadership of Bush, along with the returning co-director Byron Howard from “Zootopia,” Yvett Merino is producing. The voice talent lineup includes Ginnifer Goodwin reprising her role as rabbit police officer Judy Hopps, Jason Bateman voicing the cunning fox character Nick Wilde, and Shakira lending her voice to the pop star gazelle character (naturally). For the sequel, Shakira has recorded a fresh original song.
As a gamer, I’m thrilled about the addition of some fresh faces to my favorite franchise! Just like Quan, there are other newbies joining the team. Fortune Feimster takes on the role of Nibbles Maplestick, a beaver with a knack for uncovering secrets who calls the Marsh Market home, one of the exciting new locations in this movie. Quinta Brunson steps into the shoes of Dr. Fuzzby, a quokka therapist tasked with helping Nick and Judy recover after our first joint operation turns sour. Lastly, the legendary Jean Reno, known for his role in “Leon: The Professional,” will bring a tough French goat cop to life!
In May, a sneak peek trailer was unveiled, showcasing Nick and Judy engaging in swimming, sliding, and exploring unfamiliar parts of Zootopia. During a recent announcement, the film’s narrative was disclosed. The story follows Nick and Judy as they evade capture from the Zootopia authorities after unearthing a secret plot involving Gary De’ Snake and an enigmatic tome containing ancient lore about Zootopia. A series of incomplete scenes were showcased at Annecy, offering glimpses into Nick and Judy’s initial therapy session, their adventure through the Marsh Market, and the reappearance of Nick as well as the comeback of Mr. Big, a mafia-like shrew from the original movie, voiced by Maurice LaMarche with a Brando-esque growl.
On Friday at Annecy, there was also a special tribute dedicated to renowned Disney director Ron Clements (known for his work on The Little Mermaid and Aladdin). This esteemed filmmaker was inducted into the festival’s Walk of Fame. In an unexpected revelation, it was announced that Clements is stepping out of retirement to return to Disney, where he will serve as a mentor for upcoming writers and animators at the studio.
Zootopia 2 is set for release in the United States on November 26, 2025.
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2025-06-13 13:24