“Zootopia 2” has raced into the record books, zooming past the $1 billion mark at the global box office in just 17 days. The eagerly awaited sequel has not only reunited fans with Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, but also proved that heartfelt storytelling, sharp humor, and rich world-building can still pack theaters around the world.
Directed with Heart and Vision
“Zootopia 2” is directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, the creative duo who helped bring the original “Zootopia” to life. Bush returns as both writer and director, bringing his award-winning storytelling experience from hits like “Encanto,” “Moana,” and the original “Zootopia” back to the animal metropolis. Howard, who has been a key creative voice at Walt Disney Animation Studios for years, once again helps steer the sequel with a perfect balance of comedy, mystery, and emotion.
Together, they’ve crafted a sequel that dives deeper into Judy and Nick’s partnership while expanding Zootopia’s world with new districts, species, and social themes. Their goal was clear: keep the heart and humor that fans loved, while raising the stakes with a twisty new mystery and more complex character arcs.
Cast and Voice-Over Artists
The core cast from the original “Zootopia” returns in full force. Ginnifer Goodwin once again voices Judy Hopps, the determined rabbit cop whose optimism and grit drive the story, while Jason Bateman returns as Nick Wilde, the sly fox-turned-detective whose charm and wit perfectly complement Judy’s energy. Their chemistry remains the emotional backbone of the sequel.
The returning ensemble includes Idris Elba as Chief Bogo, Shakira as Gazelle, Jenny Slate as Bellwether, Alan Tudyk as Duke Weaselton, Nate Torrence as Clawhauser, Bonnie Hunt and Don Lake as Bonnie and Stu Hopps, and Maurice LaMarche as Mr. Big. Newcomers to the cast include Ke Huy Quan as Gary De’Snake, a mysterious reptilian character central to the film’s plot; Fortune Feimster as Nibbles; and Quinta Brunson as quokka therapist Dr. Fuzzby. This blend of familiar and fresh voices gives “Zootopia 2” a lively, contemporary feel that resonates with both kids and adults.
US and Worldwide Box Office Collection
“Zootopia 2” reached the $1 billion global milestone in only 17 days, making it the fastest Hollywood animated and PG-rated film ever to cross that benchmark. By the time it hit the milestone, the film had earned approximately $232–250 million in the US (domestic box office) and over $750 million internationally, for a global total exceeding $1 billion and still climbing.
The sequel opened on November 26 with a record-breaking global debut of around $559 million in its first five days, marking the biggest animated opening in Disney history and the top global opening of 2025. It has quickly become the number one international MPA release of the year and is already among the highest-grossing animated films of all time, proving that the world still has a huge appetite for stories set in Zootopia.
What’s Next for Zootopia?
“Zootopia 2” follows Judy and Nick as fully-fledged detectives, forced to go undercover in new corners of the city after a dangerous reptile, Gary De’Snake, arrives and turns the metropolis upside down. The film leans into a buddy-cop mystery while continuing to explore themes of prejudice, trust, and identity—issues that made the original such a powerful, relatable story.
With this kind of box office success and audience love, the future of the “Zootopia” franchise looks very bright. Disney has already expanded the universe with the “Zootopia+” series, and interviews with Jared Bush and Byron Howard suggest there are plenty more stories to tell in this world—whether through additional films, series spin-offs, or themed experiences in Disney parks. Fans are already speculating about a potential “Zootopia 3” or further adventures that take Judy and Nick beyond the city’s borders into entirely new ecosystems and societies.
A Milestone for Animation and Storytelling
“Zootopia 2” crossing $1 billion in just 17 days is more than a box office headline—it’s a testament to the power of thoughtful animation that respects its audience. By combining rich characters, clever humor, emotional depth, and timely themes, the film has connected with families, animation fans, and casual moviegoers around the globe.
As Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde continue to win hearts, “Zootopia 2” stands as a reminder that great stories can entertain, inspire, and start important conversations—all while packing theaters and breaking records. For now, fans can celebrate this incredible milestone and look forward to wherever Disney and the filmmakers choose to take Zootopia next.
