ZOOTOPIA RETURNS WITH HEART, HUMOR, AND A HOPEFUL MESSAGE

(Notice: I did not receive anything for this review. My family paid for our tickets. The views expressed here are my own. In addition, I try to list anything that may be offensive to anyone, but that does not mean that I find it offensive or that you will find it offensive).  After nearly a decade of waiting, my family and I headed to the theater for Disney’s long-anticipated Zootopia 2. We tried to avoid all spoilers and critic comments, but early reactions hinted at another hit. Rotten Tomatoes once again had critics buzzing, but as always, I never read reviews beforehand. Keep reading for my Disney Zootopia 2 Christian Movie Review.

Our family enjoyed the first Zootopia released in 2016 and when the sequel was announced, my kids immediately added it to their “must-watch opening weekend” list. The original film’s world was stunning, and the preview for Zootopia 2 promised a bigger mystery, and (most importantly) more of Detectives Judy Hopps and the loveable fox Nick Wilde. My youngest was excited and had asked over and over what time the movie was starting. Not because he didn’t know, but he wanted to make sure I hadn’t forgotten. 

Zootopia 2 Christian Movie Review – Synopsis

Studio Synopsis

In “Zootopia 2,” rookie cops Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman) find themselves on the twisting trail of a great mystery when Gary De’Snake (voice of Academy Award® winner Ke Huy Quan) arrives in Zootopia and turns the animal metropolis upside down. To crack the case, Judy and Nick must go undercover to unexpected new parts of town, where their growing partnership is tested like never before. The Oscar®-winning team of Jared Bush and Byron Howard (directors) and Yvett Merino (producer) are the principal filmmakers.

My Synopsis

Officer Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) is no longer the optimistic rookie bunny we met in the first film. She and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), now full-fledged partners and best friends, are working for the Zootopia Police Department. However, the pair are sent to partner training and it becomes apparent that the unlikely pair are opposites in every sense of the word. However, when they are thrust into a new case, their partnership is tested. Will they survive or go their separate ways? 

DISNEY ZOOTOPIA 2 Christian Movie Review: THE GOOD

The animation in the world of Zootopia is breathtaking. Disney took everything we loved about the original and magnified it, the landscapes, the character details, the action sequences. Furthermore, there are plenty of new characters in this movie.

However, Judy and Nick remain the heartbeat of the film. Their banter is sharp and witty. The supporting cast, old and new, brings both comedy and emotion.

The strongest part of Zootopia 2 is its messaging: healing from the past, the danger of fear-driven narratives, forgiveness, and choosing unity even when it’s difficult. The story encourages kids to look beyond assumptions and see the heart of the individual, something our world desperately needs.

IS THIS MOVIE SUITABLE FOR YOUR CHILD? FOR CONTENT THAT MAY CONCERN SOME CHILDREN AND MY FINAL ANALYSIS, Keep Reading!

DISNEY MOVIE REVIEW ZOOTOPIA 2: WHAT PARENTS WANT TO KNOW

Language:

God’s name is taken in vain.  Mild language includes: heck, idiot, butthead, what the pork, and “oh my g-d.” Characters occasionally insult each other (mostly in comedic ways). The term “dumb bunny” is used often. Dik-Dik (the animal) is mentioned and I am thinking they did it to cause laughter.

Violence:

Zootopia 2 is action-heavy.

• References are made about committing a murder with flashbacks to the killing.
• High-speed chase scenes.
• Animals are hit with tranquilizer darts.
• There are discussions on how an animal was killed. 
• Characters are injected with snake venom.
• Judy hits Nick several times.
• A character steps on a lizard’s tail and it falls off. 
• A character has a ring pop on her finger and tells another animal to “kiss her ring.” This is clearly a reference to an Italian mob family.

Adult Content:

A pop star returns, Gazelle (Shakira), wearing a flashy outfit. 

Alcohol is consumed in several scenes. Also, an animal is shown getting a “tramp stamp” tattoo.

Judy constantly references her and Nick’s anniversary of their working partnership, but sometimes it seems like there is more between them. 

A reference to a threesome is made.

Deception:

Several characters lie or manipulate others. 

Spiritual Content:

A character says, “I pray every day that you’ll come home and make babies.”

TEACHABLE MOMENTS FROM ZOOTOPIA 2

First, Zootopia 2 gives parents several opportunities to talk with their children about important topics. The biggest lesson in this sequel is that you cannot judge a person based on appearances or the assumptions you were raised with. Just like the first film addressed fear and stereotypes between predators and prey, Zootopia 2 expands that idea in a new direction.

In this movie, many animals believe that reptiles are dangerous simply because of how they look. Characters make comments like “you can’t trust a reptile” or assume that certain creatures are automatically the villains. But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the reptiles are not the bad guys at all. Their appearance, their history, and even their reputation in Zootopia have caused others to misunderstand them.

This gives families a perfect moment to talk about how easy it is to misjudge someone.
We all have preconceived ideas about people based on how they look, talk, dress, or act. The movie gently shows children that those snap judgments are often wrong. A person’s character, their heart, their intentions, and their actions are what truly matter.

Additionally, we are introduced to parts of the city that we didn’t know existed in Zootopia. With the Marsh Market section of Zootopia, we now have rich, middle-class, and poor in the city. Have your children seen people and areas from all classes – rich and poor? It is good to have them see how people live in different areas, and even different countries. 

DISNEY ZOOTOPIA 2 CHRISTIAN MOVIE REVIEW: MY VIEWING RECOMMENDATION

Zootopia 2 is nothing to write home about. In fact, my husband said, “I will be fine if I never see this film again.” Even though I felt it is lackluster and doesn’t add anything to my life, your kids will like it. Gone are the days of Disney being the King of film. Lackluster sequels appear to be their standard. Now, don’t get me wrong: Zootopia 2 has dazzling visuals, and there are so many little references to other films that watching it repeatedly still won’t reveal all the Easter Eggs. However, I am just wondering when Disney will get the bright idea to do a live-action remake of Zootopia. (Also known as a complete CGI version to make the animals look life-like.)

I recommend previewing for children under 6. 

About the Movie Zootopia 2

Rating: PG for action/violence and rude humor
Release Date: November 26, 2025
Runtime: 1 hour, 48 minutes
Genre: Family/Comedy
Studio: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Distributed by: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Director: Jared Bush, Byron Howard
Written by: Jared Bush

Produced by: Yvett Merino
Music by: Michael Giacchino

The Voice Cast of Disney’s Zootopia 2

Judy Hopps voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin
Nick Wilde voiced by Jason Bateman
Gary De’Snake voiced by Ke Huy Quan

Chief Bogo voiced by Idris Elba

Nibbles Maplestick (a podcasting beaver) voiced by Fortune Feimster

Pawbert Lynxley voiced by Andy Samberg

Milton Lynxley voiced by David Strathairn

Cattrick Lynxley voiced by Macaulay Culkin

Kitty Lynxley voiced by Brenda Song

Gazelle voiced by Shakira

Mayor Brian Winddancer voiced by Patrick Warburton

Dr. Fuzby voiced by Quinta Brunson

Jesus voiced by Danny Trejo

Duke Weaselton voiced by Alan Tudyk
Dawn Bellwether voiced by Jenny Slate
Benjamin Clawhauser voiced by Nate Torrence

Additional Voice Characters:

Bonnie Hopps voiced by Bonnie Hunt

Stu Hopps voiced by Don Lake

Mr. Big voiced by Maurice LaMarche

Fru Fru voiced by Leah Latham

Little Judith voiced by Cecily Strong
Flash voiced by Raymond S. Persi

Officer McHorn voiced by Mark Rhino Smith

Yax voiced by Tommy Chong

Finnick voiced by Tommy Lister Jr. (Lister died in 2020. However, his family granted permission to use recordings from Zootopia for Zootopia 2.)

Captain Hoggbottom voiced by Michelle Gomez

Truffler voiced by David Fane

Bucheron voiced by Jean Reno

Antony Sootley voiced by John Leguizamo

Bloats voiced by Stephanie Beatriz

Higgins voiced by Wilmer Valderrama

Frantic Pig voiced by Josh Dallas

EMT Otter and Baroness Bear voiced by Yvette Nicole Brown

​Paul Moldebrandt voiced by Josh Gad

Gram Gram voiced by June Squibb

Michael J. (a fox prisoner) voiced by Michael J. Fox

Gramma Taller voiced by Rachel House

Tuffy Cheeksworth voiced by Mae Martin

Big Tig voiced by Tig Nataro

Zeke voiced by Dwayne Johnson

Ed Shearin voiced by Ed Sheeran

Robert Furwin voiced by Robert Irwin

Denny Howlett voiced by Mario Lopez

Zebros (a pair of zebra cops) voiced by Roman Reigns and CM Punk

Bob Tiger voiced by Bob Iger (He is a weatherman and this is a nod to Bob Iger’s previous job as a weatherman)

EASTER EGGS:

While there are plenty of film references in Zootopia 2, I am sure I missed a ton.

In one scene, there is a chef, and when his hat comes off, there is a rat holding his hair (Ratatouille). Furthermore, music from Ratatouille plays in the background.

​Also, hippos swallow balls (Hungry, Hungry Hippos)

​The line “That will do pig. That will do,” is spoken. (Babe: The movie)

Finally, a character is hit with a frying pan. (Tangled) In interviews, it was stated that it was the “Tangled frying pan” that was used.