Zootopia 2 will feature the return of a fan-favorite character from the original film, Disney has confirmed at D23 Brazil. The upcoming sequel is finally set to arrive in theaters in 2025 after a near 10-year wait for fans of the animated franchise. The animal-filled world that captured audiences worldwide is set to get the gang back together, including Shakira reprising her role as her majestic, fur-covered pop star.
During the Disney Animation portion of their D23 panel, they released a behind the scenes video teasing Zootopia 2, confirming that Shakira is returning as Gazelle. The Colombian musical sensation confirmed her character will be sporting a new look as well as debut a new song for the film. Within the Zootopia world, Gazelle is also a popular pop artist and a predator rights activist, giving a memorable speech advocating for better, less divisive rhetoric about predatory attacks across the city. It’s unclear if she will have a bigger role this time around, but it’s safe to say the central premise of Zootopia 2 will somehow involve the character yet again.
The main theme song of Zootopia was “Try Everything,” sung by Shakira for the film. She’ll be handling singing duties once again to bring about a new anthem for the sequel. The release of Zootopia 2 seems to coincide with her real-life musical tour next year. In addition to Shakira, the returning cast members include Jennifer Goodwin as Judy Hopps, Jason Bateman as Nick Wilde, Idris Elba, Nate Torres, Maurice LaMarche, Alan Tudyk, Raymond Persi, Kristen Bell, Bonnie Hunt, and Don Lake. During the previous D23 event this year, a first look at the full cast of Zootopia characters was revealed.
Zootopia 2 Gets Official Images at D23 Brazil
Along with the confirmation of Shakira’s return, D23 Brazil unveiled a brand-new look at the main characters (via HollywoodHandle). Judy Hopps (Jennifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) are back, sporting new looks as they investigate a new mystery haunting the animal metropolis, Zootopia. In previously released footage exclusive to D23 attendees, the detective duo is seen in the marshlands investigating a new reptilian-related incident. The world of Zootopia is expanding, showing the lands abroad from the idealistic city. Check out the official synopsis:
“In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootopia 2, detectives Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman) 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, where their growing partnership is tested like never before.”
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Behind the scenes, Jared Bush returns to direct and writing the Zootopia sequel. The new film arrives after an anthology series titled Zootopia+ streamed on Disney+ in 2022. It only lasted a season, but it allowed audiences to return to the animated world sooner rather than later. However, instead of focusing on the main cast, the show followed side characters during the events of the first film. Zootopia 2 will mark the first time Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde returning since the original movie.
- Release Date
- November 26, 2025
- Studio
- Disney