Disney has released the official trailer for Zootopia 2, and while fans might have expected more action, laughs, or familiar faces, few could’ve predicted that Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde would start the sequel in… couples therapy. Technically, it’s “partners’ counseling,” but the bunny-and-fox duo are clearly not as in sync as they were at the end of 2016’s Zootopia.
The film, directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, premieres November 26, 2025, and picks up shortly after Judy and Nick officially become police partners. But with a new case involving a mysterious reptilian outsider and a city thrown into chaos, the buddy-cop chemistry is put to the test in unexpected—and hilarious—ways.
Therapy Troubles for Zootopia’s Favorite Duo
As seen in the new trailer, Zootopia 2 opens with Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman) facing their first official week as police partners. But it’s anything but smooth sailing. Chief Bogo (once again voiced by Idris Elba) quickly orders them into the “Partners in Crisis” program—essentially therapy for co-workers who can’t stop bickering.
The counseling sessions are run by a new character, Dr. Fuzzby, a quokka voiced by Abbott Elementary’s Quinta Brunson. It’s a clever setup that lets the film lean into the tension and banter that made the original dynamic so popular. Whether they’re arguing about case strategy or struggling with trust issues, the therapy scenes offer both laughs and character growth.
But their problems can’t stay in the therapist’s office for long.
Enter Gary De’Snake — And the City’s Newest Threat
The plot kicks off when a never-before-seen species arrives in Zootopia: a snake. As Nick puts it, “No snake has set foot in Zootopia in forever.” But Gary De’Snake, voiced by Oscar-winner Ke Huy Quan (Everything Everywhere All At Once), isn’t your typical villain.
The mysterious reptile claims he’s just trying to help his family, but his presence soon triggers a wave of disruption in the mammal-dominated city. Judy and Nick are tasked with tracking him down, leading them into the depths of Zootopia’s uncharted neighborhoods—and deeper into their own partnership issues.
According to Disney’s official synopsis, the pair must go undercover in these unfamiliar zones, where “their growing partnership is tested like never before.” In other words, the sequel promises another tightly wound mystery wrapped in a buddy-comedy format.
A Star-Studded Cast and Expanded World
The returning voice cast is packed with fan favorites: Bonnie Hunt and Don Lake reprise their roles as Judy’s parents, Nate Torrence is back as Clawhauser, Jenny Slate returns as Bellwether, and Alan Tudyk once again voices Duke Weaselton. There’s even a return from Shakira’s Gazelle, the pop icon from the first film.
New additions include comedian Fortune Feimster as a beaver named Nibbles Maplestick and Josh Dallas voicing a frantic pig. Disney has also confirmed appearances by beloved characters like Yax (Tommy Chong), Flash (Raymond Persi), Fru Fru (Leah Latham), and Mr. Big (Maurice LaMarche).
With directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard aiming to explore “parts of Zootopia we’ve never visited before,” fans can expect an even more expansive look at the richly imagined animal metropolis.
A Sequel That Balances Humor, Heart, and Mystery
Much like the first Zootopia, the sequel blends laugh-out-loud moments with timely themes about inclusion, trust, and working through differences. The twist this time is that the biggest tension isn’t just between species—but between two beloved characters trying to stay on the same page.
Whether you’re here for the comedy, the crime-solving, or the incredible animation, Zootopia 2 looks set to deliver a fresh, thoughtful follow-up to Disney’s original hit. And yes, there’s still time to place bets on whether Judy and Nick’s partnership will survive more than a week.
“Zootopia 2” hits theaters nationwide on November 26, 2025. Expect plenty of laughs, heart, and a little therapy—animal style.
