Zootopia 2: Everything we know so far

At the D23 Entertainment Showcase, Disney revealed some new details about Zootopia 2, introducing new characters, plot directions and the release date of the film. The sequel will open theatrically on November 26, 2025.

Following its release in 2016, Disney's Zootopia charmed audiences not only with a clever story but also with engaging characters. Its mix of wit, adventure and social observation helped made it a great success, necessitating a sequel.

Work is underway for Zootopia 2 to build further on the world opened up in the first film while exploring new themes and expanding its diverse universe. The sequel will feature some familiar characters — Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps — and introduce new faces, like Gary the Snake, voiced by Ke Huy Quan, known for his role in Marvel's Loki.

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Cast and characters: Who's returning and who's new?

For the sequel, most of the central cast from the original is returning for Zootopia 2. Jason Bateman and Ginnifer Goodwin are set to reprise their roles as Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps, respectively. The duo delighted audiences with witty repartees in the first film.

Returning characters include Mr. Big, Clawhauser and Flash the Sloth. One of the notable new characters in the sequel is Gary the Snake, voiced by Ke Huy Quan. He's going to play a role that's looking to bring some really nice complexity to the plot of the film.

As he has been described as a character with a "shady past," there will undoubtedly be some type of core mystery or conflict that will propel the story forward. He hints at the fact that the sequel will broaden its horizons to include reptiles, something that wasn't central to the first film.

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Plot expectations: What to expect from Zootopia 2?

Although nothing concrete concerning the plot of Zootopia 2 has come out, the sequel will most likely retain Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps as they take on a brand-new mystery.

During the D23 panel, a new setting was revealed: the Marsh Market, a water-based town of hippos, beavers and other aquatic creatures that presents an important change in scenery from the urban setting of the first film.

The presence of Gary the Snake as an investigator suggests it could be a plot oriented toward issues of trust, morality and redemption. His "shady past" could give rise to a storyline where Nick and Judy are investigating more gray areas than they did before and making some difficult moral choices.

New locations and characters bring new challenges and novelties to the line of events to make the sequel feel familiar yet different for the audience. The movie's trailer holds out another delicate balance of humor, action and thought-provoking themes audiences are familiar with from the Zootopia franchise.

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Release date and timeline: When can we expect it?

Zootopia 2 is slated for release on November 26, 2025. Although it would be quite a while since the original's release, such a protracted timeline gives time for detailed development and production of a quality sequel.

Zootopia 2 ( image via Disney)

With the release date drawing near, Disney will likely offer more promotional materials, from trailers to character reveals, to build anticipation. The rollout of the movie will include promotional events, a teaser trailer and possibly character announcements.

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With Zootopia 2 coming to theaters on November 26, 2025, Disney is once again cooking up a sequel that could stand tall on the original but bring new elements and characters.

Bringing back Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps, introducing Gary the Snake and visiting new places like Marsh Market, there's promise for an engaging but expansive storyline.

As the release date of the film approaches, fans should expect more details and promotional content to build anticipation for the sequel.