‘Zootopia 2’ Did This Better Than ‘Zootopia’

by

The sequel to Zootopia tackles important themes like immigration and how history is remembered, alongside its funny moments. While the first Zootopia touched on discrimination, the second film explores this issue in a more impactful and meaningful way.

A strong central theme is key for any Disney animated sequel, and Zootopia 2 excels in this area. Unlike Ralph Breaks the Internet and Moana 2, which struggled to find a compelling direction, this Zootopia sequel builds upon its predecessor, specifically addressing a weakness in the original film’s use of allegory. It avoids simply revisiting the same story with pointless tasks and instead offers a meaningful continuation.

‘Zootopia’s’ Nature vs. Nurture Issue


Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

I first saw Zootopia back in 2016, and I was immediately hooked! It showed this amazing city where animals of all kinds lived together, dealing with all the everyday issues you’d expect. The story follows Judy Hopps, a determined rabbit who wants to be a police officer, and Nick Wilde, a sly fox who’s gotten mixed up in some trouble. Together, they end up uncovering a big conspiracy that’s causing fear throughout the city, but more importantly, they show everyone that who you are isn’t just about what you’re born as – it’s about how you’re raised and the choices you make.

While Zootopia had some flaws, it didn’t fully explore how different-sized animals lived together. The humor of things like slow sloths at the DMV felt out of place considering the movie’s focus on relationships between species. The sequel improves on this by concentrating more on the political side of Zootopia, rather than the potentially problematic issue of how different species interact.

What ‘Zootopia 2’ Says About Reptiles


Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

The sequel to Zootopia not only explains the absence of reptiles, but also introduces Gary De’Snake, a pivotal character voiced by Ke Huy Quan. Gary isn’t fighting for reptiles to join Zootopia; he’s fighting to reclaim a place they were previously denied by those motivated by greed.

Ginnifer Goodwin recently told MovieWeb that Gary is central to the potential Zootopia 2, and she’s likely right. Gary isn’t just visually interesting with his adaptable design and expressive features; he’s also on a heartfelt journey to find his family. This thoughtful snake wants to rebuild the reputation of snakes, but understands the risks involved – making him someone Judy and Nick would naturally want to assist.

Ke Huy Quan’s character in the movie beautifully illustrates the problem of cultural appropriation. The way snake culture is hidden in Zootopia serves as a reminder that history is often told from the perspective of those in power, and isn’t always accurate. For characters like Gary, it’s not simply that snakes are portrayed negatively, but that their true history is erased altogether.

The Allegory of ‘Zootopia 2’


Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

The sequel to Zootopia improves upon the original because its underlying message is more nuanced and less direct. The first film used the idea of different animal species to represent racism, which created confusion for children when comparing the movie to real-world animals. By focusing the sequel on issues like deportation and who gets to define a culture, the filmmakers avoid those complicated comparisons and create a more effective story.

While the ideas in Zootopia 2 are easier to understand, they’re also relevant to many different cultures and historical events. Gary’s desire to move his family to Zootopia beautifully represents the experiences of immigrants and refugees everywhere. And the way the film twists the history of snakes mirrors how we often see historical truths hidden or distorted – from the troubling legacy of Christopher Columbus to the shocking details of the Tulsa race massacre.

Beyond the injustice itself, the movie also explores how that injustice is maintained. Judy and Nick discover that Zootopia’s powerful, wealthy citizens are manipulating laws and controlling land ownership. This corruption isn’t just a plot device for thrilling police chases – it’s central to the film’s overall message.

In an interview with Black Girl Nerds, Jason Bateman mentioned the sequel would focus more on understanding differences, and thankfully, this goes beyond just animal species. The film explores ongoing emotional and representational conflicts between Judy and Nick, which influence how they approach Gary’s problem. Their dynamic is much more compelling than simply asking if a fox and rabbit can be partners instead of predator and prey.

What Makes ‘Zootopia 2’ an Improvement?


Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

It’s great that Zootopia 2 isn’t just another predictable Disney sequel; it actually offers a fresh perspective. The movie is getting rave reviews and is expected to do very well in theaters over Thanksgiving. Beyond the bright, engaging animation that will entertain children, this film offers something truly worthwhile for everyone to enjoy during the holidays.

Despite dealing with some serious themes, Zootopia 2 is a genuinely enjoyable and visually stunning film. It beautifully builds upon the imaginative animal world established in the first Zootopia movie, offering the same cleverness audiences loved before. You’ll be captivated by what you see on screen, and the film’s meaningful story will give you plenty to talk about afterward.

Read More

2025-12-01 00:35