‘Zootopia 2’ Premieres as Disney’s Animated Crime Caper for Families

NEW YORK — Disney’s “Zootopia 2” opened in theaters over the Thanksgiving weekend, continuing the story of the anthropomorphic animal world introduced in the 2016 original. The animated film features Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman returning as the voices of rookie police officers Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde.

Set one year after the events of the first film, Hopps and Wilde remain partners in the Zootopia Police Department (ZPD), though their relationship is described as somewhat dysfunctional. Following a failed bust of an illegal smuggling operation, their chief, a cape buffalo named Bogo (voiced by Idris Elba), mandates that they attend a “Partners in Crisis” group therapy.

The plot centers on Hopps’ suspicion that something unusual is occurring at the Zootenial Gala, a celebration marking Zootopia’s 100th anniversary. Despite reptiles being banned from the city, a blue snake named Gary (voiced by Ke Huy Quan) infiltrates the event to steal a journal belonging to Zootopia’s founder, Ebeneezer Lynxley. An accident during the theft leads to Hopps and Wilde pursuing Gary, while simultaneously being chased by the ZPD and the Lynxley family, who seek to recover the journal.

The film brings back familiar characters from the first installment, including Flash the sloth (Raymond S. Persi) and dispatcher cheetah Benjamin Clawhauser (Nate Torrence). New characters introduced include Brian Winddancer, an actor-turned-mayor stallion voiced by Patrick Warburton, and Nibbles Maplestick, a conspiracy podcast-hosting beaver voiced by Fortune Feimister.

The voice cast features numerous notable talents making cameo appearances, such as Andy Sandberg, Shakira, Josh Gad, June Squibb, Danny Trejo, Michael J. Fox, Mario Lopez, and Dwayne Johnson. Quinta Brunson, known for “Abbott Elementary,” voices Dr. Fuzzby, a mild-mannered character in the film.

While “Zootopia 2” does not significantly innovate beyond its predecessor, it continues to offer family-friendly entertainment within a well-established franchise from Walt Disney Animated Studios. The film’s blend of crime caper elements and animated animal characters aims to engage audiences of all ages during the holiday season.