The wait is finally over! Disney has officially released the highly anticipated Zootopia 2 trailer, giving fans their first comprehensive look at the beloved animal metropolis returning to theaters. The Zootopia 2 trailer was released on September 29, 2025, featuring Shakira’s new song “Zoo” created with Ed Sheeran, setting the stage for what promises to be another groundbreaking animated adventure.
Following the massive success of the original 2016 film, which grossed over $1 billion worldwide and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, the Zootopia 2 trailer showcases an expanded universe that introduces reptiles, amphibians, and marine animals for the first time in the franchise.
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What the Zootopia 2 Trailer Reveals
The Zootopia 2 trailer opens with our favorite detective duo facing new challenges in their partnership. After cracking the biggest case in Zootopia’s history, rookie cops Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde find their partnership isn’t as solid as they thought when Chief Bogo orders them to join the Partners in Crisis counseling program.
New Mystery Unfolds
The central plot revolves around the arrival of Gary De’Snake, voiced by Academy Award winner Ke Huy Quan, who turns the mammal metropolis upside down. Judy and Nick find themselves on the twisting trail of a mysterious reptile who arrives in Zootopia and turns the mammal metropolis upside down. To crack the case, Judy and Nick must go undercover to unexpected new parts of town.
Cast & Characters Breakdown
| Character Type | Actor | Character Name | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Returning Leads | Ginnifer Goodwin | Judy Hopps | Optimistic rabbit police officer |
| Returning Leads | Jason Bateman | Nick Wilde | Former con-artist fox, now cop |
| New Major Character | Ke Huy Quan | Gary De’Snake | Mysterious pit viper being pursued |
| New Supporting | Fortune Feimster | Nibbles Maplestick | Beaver living in Marsh Market |
| New Supporting | Quinta Brunson | Dr. Fuzzby | Quokka partnership therapist |
| Musical Return | Shakira | Gazelle | Pop star with new Ed Sheeran collaboration |
Expanding the Zootopia Universe
The Zootopia 2 trailer showcases significant world-building improvements that expand beyond the original’s mammal-only cast. Zootopia 2 will be the first film in the franchise to feature birds, reptiles, amphibians, primates, and marine animals, expanding beyond the all-mammal cast of the original.
New Locations Featured
The trailer takes viewers to previously unexplored areas of Zootopia, including:
- Marsh Market: A semi-aquatic mammal community where Nibbles the beaver resides
- Underground reptile communities: Hidden areas where Gary and other reptiles live
- Desert dunes: Vast new territories within the city
- Aquatic zones: Areas designed for marine animals making their franchise debut
Musical Collaboration: Shakira & Ed Sheeran
One of the most exciting reveals in the Zootopia 2 trailer is the musical collaboration between global superstars Shakira and Ed Sheeran. Shakira announced that she was writing a new song for the film alongside Ed Sheeran, and that Gazelle would don a new outfit. The song titled “Zoo” was featured in the Zootopia 2 trailer that was released on September 29, 2025, and it was released as a single on October 10, 2025.
Production & Technical Details
| Department | Key Personnel | Previous Work |
|---|---|---|
| Directors | Jared Bush & Byron Howard | Original Zootopia, Encanto |
| Producer | Yvett Merino | Encanto, Ralph Breaks the Internet |
| Music Composer | Michael Giacchino | Original Zootopia, Up, Inside Out |
| Studios | Walt Disney Animation Studios | Industry-leading animation |
Star-Studded Voice Cast Additions
The Zootopia 2 trailer hints at an impressive roster of new voice talent joining the franchise. Moana stars Dwayne Johnson, Auliʻi Cravalho, Rachel House, and David Fane have joined the cast, along with Frozen’s Josh Gad, The Princess and the Frog’s Anika Noni Rose, and Encanto cast members Stephanie Beatriz, Wilmer Valderrama, and John Leguizamo.
Notable New Character Descriptions
- Zeke (Dwayne Johnson): An accident-prone dik-dik who encounters musical mishaps during Judy and Nick’s pursuit
- Squel of Fortune Mouse (Anika Noni Rose): Lucky winner of a game show prize
- Bloat and Higgins (Stephanie Beatriz & Wilmer Valderrama): Hippo ZPD cop partners and excellent swimmers
- Antony (John Leguizamo): Smarmy anteater smuggler who flees at the first sign of trouble
Themes and Story Direction
The Zootopia 2 trailer suggests deeper exploration of partnership dynamics and trust. The inclusion of Dr. Fuzzby as a partnership therapist indicates that the sequel will tackle more mature themes about relationships and personal growth within the context of law enforcement and community building.
Advanced Animation Technology
The film features a runtime of 1 hour 47 minutes (107 min) and will be presented in Color with Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos, Auro 11.1, D-Cinema 96kHz 7.1, DTS:X, 12-Track Digital Sound, and Dolby Surround 7.1 sound systems, showcasing Disney’s commitment to technical excellence.
Release Information and Box Office Expectations
Global Release Strategy
| Territory | Release Date | Alternative Titles |
|---|---|---|
| United States | November 26, 2025 | Zootopia 2 |
| United Kingdom | November 26, 2025 | Zootropolis 2 |
| Germany | November 26, 2025 | Zoomania 2 |
| Worldwide | November 26, 2025 | Various regional titles |
The strategic Thanksgiving holiday release positions Zootopia 2 for maximum family audience appeal during the peak moviegoing season.
Critical Reception and Fan Response
The Zootopia 2 trailer has generated overwhelmingly positive responses from both critics and fans, with particular praise for the expanded world-building and the introduction of new animal species. The collaboration between Shakira and Ed Sheeran has also created significant buzz in both animation and music industry circles.
Box Office Projections
Given the original film’s $1 billion worldwide gross and the expanded scope shown in the Zootopia 2 trailer, industry analysts predict the sequel could potentially surpass its predecessor’s financial success, especially with the addition of popular voice actors and enhanced animation technology.
Future of the Franchise
People are wondering if Disney will make a third movie after seeing how well the Zootopia 2 trailer did. Disney has a history of creating sequels when films end with open themes. The introduction of multiple new animal species and expanded world-building suggests Disney is positioning Zootopia as a long-term franchise with significant growth potential.
The Zootopia 2 trailer delivers everything fans hoped for and more, showcasing Disney Animation’s continued innovation in storytelling and technical excellence. With its November 26, 2025 release date fast approaching, the sequel promises to build upon the original’s themes of tolerance and cooperation while introducing exciting new characters and locations.
The collaboration between returning favorites Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman, combined with powerhouse newcomers like Ke Huy Quan and the musical talents of Shakira and Ed Sheeran, positions Zootopia 2 as one of the most anticipated animated releases of 2025. As evidenced by the Zootopia 2 trailer, this sequel is set to capture the hearts of both longtime fans and new audiences alike.
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FAQs
When was the Zootopia 2 trailer officially released?
The Zootopia 2 trailer was officially released on September 29, 2025, featuring Shakira’s new song “Zoo” created in collaboration with Ed Sheeran.
What is the release date for Zootopia 2?
Zootopia 2 is scheduled for theatrical release on November 26, 2025, in the United States and worldwide, positioning it perfectly for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Who are the new main characters introduced in the Zootopia 2 trailer?
The main new character is Gary De’Snake, voiced by Ke Huy Quan, along with Dr. Fuzzby (Quinta Brunson) and Nibbles Maplestick (Fortune Feimster), among other supporting characters.
What new animal species appear in Zootopia 2?
For the first time in the franchise, Zootopia 2 will feature reptiles, amphibians, birds, primates, and marine animals, significantly expanding beyond the original’s mammal-only cast.
Are Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman returning for Zootopia 2?
Yes, both Ginnifer Goodwin (Judy Hopps) and Jason Bateman (Nick Wilde) are returning to reprise their beloved roles as the main detective duo in the sequel.
