Zootopia 2: Are Nick and Judy Dating? Disney Producer Warned That One Side of the Fanbase Will Be ‘Disappointed’ With Their Relationship Status In the Sequel

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Some Disney fans might be disappointed with how things turn out between Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps in Zootopia 2. As one of several animated sequels Disney is planning in the coming years, Zootopia 2 arrives almost ten years after the first movie and continues the story of Nick and Judy in the city of Zootopia. The film focuses on Nick and Judy’s work as police partners, and it seems their relationship could be heading in a new direction.

Zootopia 2 director Byron Howard discussed the dynamic between Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps in the next Disney film. He told MTV shortly after the original movie came out in 2016 (as reported by Inquisitr) that he hadn’t initially envisioned them as a couple, noting that fans are evenly divided on whether they *should* become romantic. He even wondered, “Can’t they just stay best friends?” when the subject was brought up.

The movie’s ending leaves you wanting just a little bit more, but I never expected it to spark so much discussion about a potential romance. It’s strange because some fans are really invested in the idea of ‘WildeHopps’ becoming a couple and even getting married, while others strongly believe they should remain just friends. They ask why male and female characters always have to end up together in movies, and if they can’t simply maintain a platonic best friendship. It’s a really interesting debate, and it’s taken on a life of its own.

He continued discussing how that idea would be “a debate we’ll need to consider carefully” if a second film was approved, describing it as “the biggest problem” to resolve. Ultimately, he understood that one group of people wouldn’t be happy with the final decision:

If we decide to develop these characters and stories further, we’ll need to carefully consider the implications. This will likely be the biggest challenge we face. Unfortunately, someone will be unhappy with the outcome, and we aren’t sure who that will be at this point.

During an August 2024 interview with Fandango, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Chief Creative Officer, Jared Bush, talked about the dynamic between Nick and Judy. He was careful not to reveal too much, but mentioned they are “finding themselves in different places.” He also hinted that “music is a big part of those places.”

Let me explain. In this movie, Nick and Judy end up in various locations, and music plays a significant role in many of them. I’m really excited about how that musical element could enhance the film.

Additionally, during a recent conversation with Disney’s official website, story head Carrie Liao explained to fans that Nick and Judy’s “partnership will face challenges” in the upcoming movie, causing them to reconsider what being partners truly means:

Judy and Nick had great chemistry in the first movie, and now their teamwork will face some unexpected challenges. All relationships change and grow over time. This film asks: what truly defines a partnership? While ‘Zootopia 2‘ centers around a major mystery, the story is fundamentally about the bond between Judy and Nick.

Jared Bush explained that the two characters are “so flawed” and “not squeaky-clean,” which allows fans to “relate to” them and connect with the story.

They’re so imperfect. These characters aren’t flawless, and that’s what makes them relatable to viewers. This couple is simply trying their best, and despite occasional disagreements, they genuinely care for each other.

Zootopia 2 will continue the story from the 2016 film Zootopia, with Ginnifer Goodwin returning as ZPD Officer Judy Hopps and Jason Bateman reprising his role as Officer Nick Wilde. The pair will be working on a secret undercover mission, and they’ll be joined by Ke Huy Quan as Gary De’Snake as they investigate new mysteries and uncover hidden secrets throughout the city. Zootopia 2 is scheduled to be released in theaters on November 26, 2025.

Will Nick and Judy Get Together in Zootopia 2?

Based on statements from the creators of Zootopia 2, it appears unlikely that Judy and Nick will become a romantic couple in the new film. This impression is strengthened by the fact that their relationship didn’t seem to develop any romantic feelings at the conclusion of the first movie, even after they defeated Mayor Dawn Bellweather.

Currently, Nick and Judy will keep working together as partners at the Zootopia Police Department, pursuing Ke Huy Quan’s new character, Gary De’Snake, as he enters the plot. The next mystery in this film is expected to dramatically change Zootopia, especially considering snakes are seen as an outcast group within the story. This is similar to being a black sheep of the animal community.

A total of over twelve new animal species will appear in Zootopia 2, enriching the complex society we first saw in the original film. Although initial story hints suggest an adventure that feels similar to the first Zootopia, these fresh faces are certain to bring something new to the world created in 2016.

As the movie’s release date-just a couple of months away-approaches, we can expect more story details to emerge in the news. Disney is aiming for another hugely popular animated film, and is likely preparing to share information to build excitement.

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2025-10-01 22:36