Disney’s Zootopia 2, scheduled for theatrical release on November 26, 2025 (just days away), features a sprawling ensemble voice cast blending returning award-winning performers with exciting Hollywood newcomers in an ambitious sequel to 2016’s original billion-dollar phenomenon. Directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, with Bush also serving as sole screenwriter and chief creative officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios, the film reunites Ginnifer Goodwin as optimistic rabbit cop Judy Hopps, Jason Bateman as sly fox Nick Wilde, Idris Elba as authoritative Chief Bogo, and Shakira as beloved pop star Gazelle, while introducing powerhouse newcomers including Oscar-winner Ke Huy Quan as villainous snake Gary De’Snake, Macaulay Culkin and Brenda Song (real-life couple voicing the Lynxley family), Andy Samberg, David Strathairn, Quinta Brunson, Fortune Feimster, Patrick Warburton, Wilmer Valderrama, Danny Trejo, and entertainment icons Roman Reigns and CM Punk. The sequel follows Judy and Nick’s partnership facing strain after their greatest case resolution, as they’re required to attend “Partners in Crisis” counseling before investigating the mysterious arrival of reptiles in Zootopia—a species previously absent from the metropolis, setting up fresh mythology exploration for the franchise. The original Zootopia established unprecedented animated film success with $1.024 billion worldwide box office and remains one of only four animated films ever to cross the $1 billion milestone, establishing massive expectations for this sequel to replicate or exceed that achievement.
Plot and Premise: New Mysteries in Metropolis
Following their successful resolution of the greatest case in Zootopia history, rookie cops Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde discover their partnership isn’t as solid as they believed. Chief Bogo mandates they both attend “Partners in Crisis” counseling before reassignment—a comedic intervention meant to address their cooperation issues and communication patterns.
Before they can complete therapy, a mysterious situation tests their partnership when they uncover the arrival of a venomous snake in the animal metropolis—the first reptilian resident in Zootopia’s recorded history. This discovery raises alarming questions: Why have reptiles been absent from the city? What does this serpent’s arrival signify? Who is the enigmatic Gary De’Snake, and what threats does his presence pose to Zootopia’s carefully balanced ecosystem and social structure? Judy and Nick must pursue the twisting trail connecting to Gary’s mysterious emergence while navigating their therapeutic journey toward authentic partnership.
Returning Voice Cast: Familiar Favorites
Ginnifer Goodwin as Judy Hopps (Returning Lead): Goodwin reprises her iconic role as the optimistic rabbit from Bunnyburrow whose determined idealism continues pushing against institutional barriers within the Zootopia Police Department. Confirmed recording sessions began April 2024, positioning her as central to the sequel’s emotional anchor.
Jason Bateman as Nick Wilde (Returning Lead): Bateman continues as the sly, charming red fox who traded hustling for genuine partnership with Judy. Their chemistry remains the narrative’s heart, exploring what happens when former con artists attempt genuine connection and collaboration within institutional structures.
Idris Elba as Chief Bogo (Returning): Elba reprises his role as the strong but fair cape buffalo commanding the ZPD with authority and occasional humor. His character balances institutional responsibility with compassion for his officers.
Shakira as Gazelle (Returning): The pop star returns as the beloved Zootopia pop sensation, providing cultural touchstone celebrity within the animal metropolis.
Additional Returning Characters: Bonnie Hunt (Judy’s mother), Don Lake (Judy’s father), Nate Torrence (Clawhauser), Jenny Slate (Bellwether), Alan Tudyk (Duke Weaselton), Maurice LaMarche (Mr. Big), Leah Latham (Fru Fru), Josh Dallas (Frantic Pig), Tommy Chong (Yax), Mark Smith (Officer McHorn), and Raymond Persi (Flash).
New Voice Cast: Exciting Additions
Ke Huy Quan as Gary De’Snake (Primary Antagonist): Oscar-winning actor Quan (Crazy Rich Asians, Everything Everywhere All At Once) voices the primary villain—a venomous pit viper whose arrival threatens Zootopia’s metropolis and challenges established hierarchies. Quan shared first-look footage and visuals at CinemaCon 2025, generating audience enthusiasm.
Macaulay Culkin as Lynx Lynskey (New, Real-Life Couple): Former child star Culkin joins the cast as part of the Lynxley family ensemble, notably paired with real-life partner Brenda Song—a rare instance of Hollywood couples voicing related characters.
Brenda Song as Brianna Lynskey (New, Real-Life Couple): Actress and producer Song voices Culkin’s character’s family member, making their collaboration a memorable behind-the-scenes moment.
Andy Samberg as Undisclosed Character: The Brooklyn Nine-Nine star joins the ensemble in an exciting yet undisclosed role, likely combining comedy and character depth.
David Strathairn as Undisclosed Character: Oscar-nominated actor (Nomadland, Good Night and Good Luck) contributes his distinctive voice work to an unspecified character.
Quinta Brunson as Dr. Fuzzby (Quokka Therapist): Abbott Elementary star voices the quirky quokka therapist assigned to Judy and Nick’s “Partners in Crisis” counseling sessions, providing comedic and emotional grounding.
Fortune Feimster as Nibbles (Beaver): The stand-up comedian voices a new beaver character named Nibbles in the Marsh Market sequence.
Patrick Warburton as Mayor Winddancer: The Family Guy voice actor portrays a charismatic yet clueless stallion mayor dreaming of heroic television stardom, bringing comedic weight to political authority figures.
Wilmer Valderrama, Danny Trejo, Roman Reigns, and CM Punk: Additional cast members contribute voices to supporting characters, with entertainment icons (wrestling stars Roman Reigns and CM Punk) adding mainstream appeal.
Yvette Nicole Brown: Voices two cameos: The Bearoness and EMT Otter.
Director and Creative Team
Directors: Jared Bush (solo writer-director with chief creative officer status) and Byron Howard (co-director, original Zootopia creator) | Previous Work: Bush wrote original Zootopia; Howard directed original film and Encanto
Screenwriter: Jared Bush (sole writer) | Producer: Yvett Merino | Production: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Jared Bush’s promotion to Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios (September 2025) follows Jennifer Lee’s departure to direct Frozen 3. Bush’s ascendancy reflects Disney’s confidence in his creative vision and proven ability to develop complex, thematically resonant animated narratives balancing humor, heart, and social commentary.
Release Information
Release Date: November 26, 2025 (United States) | Theatrical Formats: Standard, IMAX, 3D | Production Status: Post-production complete (as of May 2025) | Announcement Timeline: Confirmed development February 2023; officially titled February 2024
Original Zootopia Box Office Legacy
Worldwide Box Office: $1.024 billion (rounded to $1 billion) | Domestic (US/Canada): $341.3 million | International: $682.5 million | Release Year: 2016 | Production Budget: $150 million
Historic Achievements: Only the fourth animated film ever to surpass $1 billion (following Toy Story 3, Frozen, and Minions); second-highest grossing film of 2016; fourth-highest grossing film overall in 2016; highest-grossing original animated film ever (not based on pre-existing intellectual property); one of highest-grossing Disney Animation films alongside Frozen ($1.277B).
Critical Success: 98% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes; A CinemaScore from domestic audiences; universal acclaim from critics and audiences; three consecutive weeks at #1; spent 13 weeks in top ten; groundbreaking opening weekend of $75 million (highest Disney Animation opening at time, largest animated opening in March history).
The original Zootopia remains a watershed moment in animated cinema—establishing that original stories without franchise legacy could achieve unprecedented commercial and critical success, inspiring a generation of animators and studios to prioritize character development and thematic depth over existing intellectual property adaptation. The sequel’s November 26, 2025 release arrives with extraordinary expectations to replicate or exceed the original’s phenomenon status.
