‘Zootopia’ returns with animated allegory as didactic entertainment for all

Zootopia 2, capturing the interest of original fans, quickly became a box office hit and Disney’s fastest animated sequel to reach $1 billion.The sequel is packed with action-filled adventure as a headstrong first time bunny cop Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin, Mona Lisa Smile), chases a mysterious snake with her reluctant and sarcastic ZPD partner, Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman, Game Night). While hunting for clues that might lead the duo to unravel the mystery, they face obstacles not only in villains getting in their way, but also balancing their relationship. Nick and Judy struggle to navigate effective communication as a team instead of individuals with different motives.

photo from Wikipedia’s Zootopia 2 page

The sarcastic and adult humor initially captivates the audience as the movie showcases real life scenarios while incorporating funny jokes that keep both kids and parents entertained. It also features references to other movies like The Shining and The Silence of the Lambs, providing a moment of levity and respite for parents and other adults.

Zootopia 2 shifts gears from the original’s serious tone of racism and division within society to a more cartoonish humor-filled approach to the storyline of real-life situations. The sequel still, however, continues to incorporate vital topics like feeling useless in trying to make a difference in the world as well as the negative impact on immigrants when it comes to greed-driven political figures. 

Hopps’ willful personality distracts her from focusing on being sensible as she gets herself in dangerous situations that could have been avoided if she had listened to those around her. The movie touches base with how some people get too caught up in their feelings to realize what they’re doing is only going to slow them down. Without Judy’s determination, however, the case would not have been solved.

Thrown into the loop, Wilde wants to support his friend but doesn’t agree with her level of seriousness, believing that there was nothing that could be done in the grand scheme of things. The shift of tone from good humor to feeling incapable of making change because of the fear of not being heard brings a very real life situation to light. Beyond the good feeling laughs, Zootopia 2 raises multiple circumstances that every day people, especially minorities, can relate to.

The inner storyline of the actual case focuses on how, historically, minorities and specifically immigrants have been negatively treated due to greed-driven wealthy people in power. The movie addresses this age-old conflict as reptiles, a metaphor for minorities, build their own homes and their own neighborhoods, much like how different people groups in American history have had to come together to create their own community through hard times when no one was willing to accept them. Similar to real life, the sense of community and belonging had been taken away from the reptiles because of greedy people, the wealthy lynx family, who believe they are above minorities. Zootopia 2 connects the history back to the present where the mistreatment of reptiles, the immigrants, continues to affect them today. 

While the lynx family was able to live a lavish life, leeching their power from vulnerable animals, the reptiles continue to be pushed around, and are eventually forced entirely out of their neighborhoods. Zootopia 2 shows that such situations don’t always have to be accepted, and working together as teams or groups can lead to actual change.

While Zootopia 2 incorporates heavy topics, it also makes sure to remain silly enough to keep both kids and adults entertained. Multiple adult jokes are made, going so far as to make people question if they were a little too extreme for a PG-rated movie. Other than the silly remarks, the movie made the content relatable for all ages to enjoy.

Grade: A-

Zootopia 2 Takes on Serious Topics While Making Room for Humor

by Adele Faust

Published February 9, 2026

Oshkosh West Index Volume 122 Issue IV