Zootopia 2: Release Date and The Real Animals Behind the Characters
Zootopia 2 is an upcoming American animated buddy cop comedy film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. This highly anticipated sequel to the beloved animated film Zootopia is scheduled for release on November 26, 2025. The movie continues the adventures of Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde as they go undercover in Marsh Market to crack a new case involving a mysterious reptile.
Zootopia (zootopia.fandom)
Does 'Zootopia 2' Have a Release Date?
Yes, Zootopia 2 is set to hit theaters on November 26, 2025, nearly a decade after the first movie was released in March 2016. Like Toy Story 4 (2019) and Inside Out 2 (2024), this sequel will release nine years after its predecessor. This will also be the first Walt Disney Animation Studios film to be released nine years after its predecessor.
Due to trademark issues, Zootopia 2 is named Zootropolis 2 in the UK, Ireland, Italy, and Spain, while in Germany it will be called Zoomania 2. Zootopia will be the twenty-ninth Walt Disney Animation Studios film to become a franchise, following classics like Fantasia, Bambi, Cinderella, The Lion King, and Frozen.
This sequel marks the first time the franchise will feature reptiles and marine mammals. The film acknowledges that "meat" in this world is relegated to bug protein, as evidenced by the concept art depicting a bug burger truck. This was something that Byron Howard acknowledged in an interview while promoting the first film. A character strongly resembling one of the Razorbacks can be seen in promotional artwork, so it's possible they might appear in this sequel.
Judy Hopps to Nick Wilde: Zootopia
Real-World Animal Counterparts
In the world of Zootopia, the characters are anthropomorphic animals, each representing a real-world species. Here are some of the main characters and their real-world animal counterparts:
Judy Hopps:
Judy is a female rabbit, specifically a European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). She is the main protagonist of Zootopia. Judy is the daughter of Bonnie and Stu and is a member of the Hopps family. Her occupation is a police officer, and she was formerly a carrot farmer. Rabbits are known for their agility and keen senses, which make Judy an excellent police officer. Some of her memorable quotes include:
"I am a real cop."
"You ready to make the world a better place?"
"Oh sweet cheese and crackers."
"It's called a hustle, sweetheart."
"It's called a hustle, sweetheart. Boom."
Nick Wilde:
Nick is a red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Foxes are known for their cunning and adaptability, traits that Nick embodies as a former con artist turned police officer. “Never let 'em see that they get to you.”―Nick Wilde's life motto. Officer Nicholas Piberius "Nick" Wilde is a male red fox and the deuteragonist of Zootopia. He is the son of Mrs. Wilde. Nick Wilde is a charming, small-time, con artist fox with a big mouth and a lot of opinions. But when a rabbit cop outsmarts him, he finds himself actually helping her solve a mystery.
Chief Bogo:
Chief Bogo is a Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer). Cape buffalos are known for their strength and resilience, qualities that make Bogo a formidable police chief.
Clawhauser:
Officer Clawhauser is a cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). Cheetahs are the fastest land animals, but Clawhauser's character humorously contrasts this with his love for donuts and a more sedentary lifestyle.
Gazelle:
Gazelle, voiced by Shakira, is a Thomson's gazelle (Eudorcas thomsonii). Gazelles are known for their grace and speed, fitting for a pop music superstar.
Finnick:
Finnick is a fennec fox (Vulpes zerda). Fennec foxes are the smallest of the fox species, known for their large ears and desert habitat.
Mr. Big:
Mr. Big is an arctic shrew (Sorex arcticus). Despite their small size, shrews are known for their fierce and territorial nature, making Mr. Big a fitting crime boss.
Flash:
Flash is a three-toed sloth (Bradypus variegatus). Sloths are known for their slow movement, which is humorously exaggerated in Flash's character as a DMV employee.
New Characters in Zootopia 2
In Zootopia 2, new characters will be introduced, including:
Gary:
A snake, voiced by Ke Huy Quan. Snakes are known for their stealth and adaptability, which will likely play a role in the plot.
Nibbles:
A beaver, voiced by Fortune Feimster. Beavers are known for their industrious nature and ability to build complex structures.
These characters bring the diverse animal kingdom to life, each with unique traits and behaviors that add depth and humor to the story. As we eagerly await the release of Zootopia 2, it's exciting to see how these real-world animals will be portrayed in the vibrant and imaginative world of Zootopia.
“You ready to make the world a better place?”
“Never let ‘em see that they get to you.”
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