The “unique” reason why Zootropolis 2 isn’t called Zootopia 2 in the UK

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I was so excited to finally see Zootopia 2 in theaters! But it was a little confusing – when I asked for tickets, the staff looked puzzled. Apparently, here in the UK, they still call it Zootropolis 2, even though it’s the exact same movie as everywhere else. It’s a bit strange, but I’m just glad I finally got to see it!

Feeling puzzled? We’re happy to explain. Disney stated to Screen International in March 2015 that the first film’s title was changed simply to give it a distinctive name for viewers in the UK, when the UK release date was announced.

But this idea falls apart when you consider that in many countries outside the UK – like Denmark, Finland, Italy, and Spain – the movie Zootopia is actually called Zootropolis, and the sequel is Zootropolis 2. If it’s not unique elsewhere, what’s the reason for the different title in the UK?

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Most people believe Disney changed the name of the movie Zootopia to Zootropolis in the UK and other parts of Europe because a zoo in Denmark already had the name Zootopia. Disney hasn’t officially said this, but it’s the widely accepted reason.

In 2019, Givskud Zoo in Denmark celebrated its 50th anniversary with a new name: Givskud Zoo – Zootopia. You might notice this is three years after the movie Zootopia came out in March 2016. However, the zoo actually trademarked the name ‘Zootopia’ back in August 2014, well before the film’s release – a full year and seven months earlier, in fact, when the rebrand was first announced.

Disney changed the name of Zootopia to Zootropolis – and this applies to the sequel and the TV series as well. The reason might have been to prevent confusion in Europe or due to trademark concerns, potentially regarding merchandise. The only change within the movie itself is that the city is now referred to as Zootropolis.

While not as clever as the wordplay in Zootopia – which hints at a perfect ‘utopia’ that isn’t quite achieved – Zootropolis is still a playful name, referencing ‘metropolis’ and suggesting a large, bustling city.

Although Disney hasn’t officially said the title change was because of trademark problems, co-director Byron Howard explained it on Twitter. He said the different titles were due to “licensing or trademark conflicts,” but assured fans it’s still the same movie (according to CinemaBlend).

If you’re in Germany, the new Zootopia movie is known as Zoomania 2. The first film was released as Zoomania there because a book called Zootropolis, written by Kay Fischer, came out in 2010, creating a naming conflict.

Zootropolis 2 is out now in cinemas.

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2025-11-28 21:19