- Date of Release: 28 November 2025
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Animation, Comedy, Crime
- Language: English
- Watch On: Theatres Only
Zootopia 2
Introduction
One distinct memory that I have of the 2016 English film Zootopia is its social subtext that did set it aside from all the other glitz and bursts of other films in this animated genre. For starters, it was an investigative drama using animation only as a medium to expand its horizons with respect to the age demographics of the film. To top it, the cutting edge of a relevant social subtext of universal brotherhood that continues to remain underrated in the midst of all the divide-and-rule politics in play. This social subtext has become all the more important in 2025 – a year that has witnessed wars and face-offs, and discrimination and divide throughout the globe. In that regard, the new English film Zootopia 2 invariably becomes an important film given that it chooses to highlight its subtext in an even more pronounced manner this time around. It disguises itself as a plea from a faction of the society who are tired of all the political chatter in the mix that is further widening the gap between people, while also being at the receiving end of the Us Versus Them narrative. In other words, you bring in the kids for this film but stay back for the subtext on offer!
Story & Screenplay
Written by Jared Bush, the subtext in Zootopia 2 begins with its two central characters – Judy (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick (Jason Bateman), the unlikely duo of a rabbit and a sly fox who are the new tag team in town after solving a case in Zootopia. Both Judy and Nick are contrasting personalities having survived contrasting character arcs, only eventually to join forces at the end. She was a newbie in the police department, he was on the wrong side of the law but fate brought them together, such that both are vital cogs of the police department. But one thing that doesn’t change is their clashing personalities – something that gets them into trouble after a smuggling ring gone wrong. The subtext here is about two personalities who are evidently different in nature, but still trying to co-exist and eventually work together for a new case in Zootopia (almost an ‘animal’ parallel to the term Utopia).
The central conflict around which the drama is mounted on, is more to do with the perceptions of reptiles. Here in Zootopia, all mammals co-exist but reptiles aren’t allowed following an event that had transpired years ago. More specifically, it is Judy who suspects the presence of a snake in the mix even as the town warms up to a gala event to commemorate the 100 years of the city’s founding while being hosted by a family of the lynxes. And just as Judy’s worst fears come true, her perception about a friendly snake Gary (Ke Huy Quan) shifts the momentum of the drama.
If you were to look close and beyond the clever wordplays like ‘Ewtube’ or ‘Huluzoo’ or references to ‘Only Herders In the Building’, then the social and political subtext intertwine with the character of Gary, a snake by nature. The general perception on snakes remains that of poisonous reptiles who spew venom through their fangs with the sole intention to kill. But Gary seems like a innocent being, almost carrying an anti-venom antidote with him given that it is only by nature that he gets to diss without actually meaning to. It is a direct subtext on how we choose to view the people around us, almost judging them based on their looks rather than befriending them initially (and interesting on how another character is also a victim of perception in an entirely different context). It remains a subgenre of the divide and rule policy employed by politicians and capitalists – more specifically the patriarch of the lynx family Milton (David Strathairn) who looks to expand the boundaries of Zootopia at the behest of the reptiles.
There are some regular tropes of an animation film directed towards the target audience below the age of 10, even as Judy and Nick are involved in multiple chase sequences while investigating the identity of the reptile. It instantly reminded me of the criminally underrated Hindi film Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani (2000) wherein an unlikely journalist duo are investigating the identity of a man labelled as a criminal. And I am not going to lie, the events are entertaining and hilarious at the same time. But this is also where the writers choose to plugin another subtext – this time a searing political one that defines the fabric of storytelling here.
If you choose to look at it from an American point of view, the parallels would equate to that of Native Americans who were overhauled in the wake of White Supremacy. In a context more closer to home, one could draw parallels with the communal divide that has systematically marred the young minds, while capitalists like Mr A enjoy all the advantages and the backing from the authorities. This, even while the emphasis remains on the platonic bond of Jude and Nick who remain separated physically at one point, but still longing for each other in spirit. In that sense, this drama can also be viewed as an underdog story wherein our underdogs take on the rich and the mighty.
The drama in the final act also hinges on a wave of nostalgia given how it reintroduces some of the characters from the first part who invariably bring the house down with laughter. And coupled with a standard twist in the tale at the end, you can almost expect a familiar template of storytelling that the makers go for here, that is frivolous but wildly entertaining. But look out for the subtext again at the end – this time of unity and univerval brotherhood wherein every human being is accounted for, in a bid to live in a community together. And for me, that is the spirit of the franchise – Universal Brotherhood – that defines the storytelling here too. And in times when humanity is spiralling downwards, the screenplay here is brave and goes beyond the usual realms of an animated film that is warm and fuzzy yes, but also supremely important in today’s times. A word to the adults – take your kids for the animation but stay back for the subtext!
Dialogues, Music & Direction
The dialogues are frothy but superbly mindful of the varied subtext in play that results in a rather endearing watch. The music and BGM perfectly represent the spirit of Zootopia with melodies of euphoria and frolik that at one point epitomize a rock concert, while elsewhere also accounting for the emotional subtext in the drama. The animation is outstanding as well, with the creation of the world and characters that are affable while wonderfully taking the perceptions of them into account. And add to that, the level of detailing – be it in a simple object like a carrot-shaped recorder that adds texture to the drama. The editing is crisp and sharp so much so that the overall runtime of the drama is kept under check, while never allowing the proceedings to be bogged down. The transitions remain smooth and pacy while contributing towards a great watch. The director duo of Byron Howard and Jared Bush manage to impress here given how committed they are to push the boundaries of a regular animated drama here. The subtext employed automatically gives a lot of substance and purpose to all their characters, while elevating the drama to new heights here. Both Jared and Byron maintain a firm grip on the proceedings even as the direction here remains brilliant.
Voiceovers
The voiceovers are splendid by the members of the cast. Shakira as Thomson’s gazalle adds a lot of spark to the proceedings. Patrick Warburton as Mayor Brian adds to the humour quotient of his character given his dual personality of a former actor and a current politician (kind of ironic how both these professions are interchangeable; fun in this case). Idris Elba as Chief Bogo is first rate despite a limited screentime here. Fortune Feimster as Nibbles adds to the fun quotient of the drama with a character that represents the evolution of podcasts on the net. Andy Samberg as Pawbert has a nice little complex character arc to dabble with, and his voice adds layers to the character. David Strathairn as Milton is subtlely intimidating while exuding of chills in the voiceover. Ke Huy Quen as Gary De’Snake (hilarious name😂) is warm and endearing, also supremely affable to witness here so much so that your perceptions about snakes would change.
Jason Bateman as Nick and Ginnifer Godwin as Judy are excellent with their respective voiceovers, almost feeding off energy and scoring brownie points with banter that contribute to the fun quotient of the drama. There is a sense of sincerity that doubles up as an emotional hook for the viewers, silently wanting the two to be triumphant and stick to each other despite the cutsie differences that they have. Their voiceovers are a treat to witness here.
Conclusion
Zootopia 2 is a dazzling sequel effectively exploring themes of capitalism, politics, and universal brotherhood in what remains an entertaining fable for the ages! A word to the adults – take your kids for the animation but stay back for the subtext! Available in a theatre near you and Highly Recommended!