Zootopia 2 Was A lot More Mature Than I Expected, And I Can’t Stop Thinking About A Few Things

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I was a huge fan of Zootopia when it came out – it just felt really relevant and dealt with some grown-up themes. And the news last month that Zootopia 2 is coming in 2025 has me excited because it seems like it’s going to have that same feel. But honestly, I was still really impressed with how the sequel managed to be something special – it’s a movie that both kids and adults can genuinely enjoy, and it doesn’t really fit into just one type of genre!

I’d like to talk about how Zootopia 2 managed to stay lighthearted and fun while also exploring more mature themes and including some really clever nods to other movies.

Warning: Zootopia 2 spoilers are ahead. Proceed with caution.

Nick Telling Judy To Give Up Made Me Realize How Hard It Is To Be Optimistic In A Pessimistic World

In Zootopia 2, Judy and Nick have a major disagreement about whether to help a character named Gary. Nick believes they should focus on their own well-being, while Judy is determined to offer assistance. Judy argues that positive change requires courage, but Nick feels that even heroic efforts are often insignificant and the world is ultimately headed for trouble.

Judy always looks on the bright side, while Nick tends to expect the worst. They see the world in very different ways. It’s likely there are more people like Nick – those who feel things are hopeless. But there are also those, like Judy, who still believe in the possibility of positive change. I find I’m somewhere in between. Some days I feel completely discouraged, like giving up is the only option.

Sometimes I feel like Judy – hopeful, determined, and looking forward to a brighter future. It’s tough being someone with that kind of optimism, because the world doesn’t always encourage it – it can quickly crush your spirit. But that’s also what makes Judy such a great Disney character.

As a movie lover, I always appreciate films that offer a little hope, and Zootopia really delivers. It gently reminds you that life can be tough, and things can feel bleak, but giving up isn’t the answer – if we all did that, negativity would win. That core message, along with so many others, is a big reason why I think the Zootopia movies are among Disney’s very best.

I Mentally Noted As Many Other Movie References That I Could Identify

The movie Zootopia was full of fun pop culture nods, but Zootopia 2 takes it to another level! I really enjoyed spotting all the references. While Zootopia 2 includes lots of Easter eggs from other Disney films, the surprising ones are the most memorable. The reference to The Shining was particularly shocking!

I was surprised by a particular moment and wondered if it was appropriate for a family film. It even included a nod to The Silence of the Lambs, which I found clever. These references showed me that Zootopia 2 isn’t just for kids—adults can enjoy it too. As a film enthusiast, I was excited to be the friend who enthusiastically points out all the details to others. Ultimately, Zootopia 2 feels like a movie for anyone who loves film, not just those who typically watch animated movies or who are part of the younger audience.

I Saw The Major Twist Coming, But It’s Clever That Zootopia 2 Acknowledges It Before The Reveal

Both Zootopia movies share a similar plot twist: a character you initially believe is trustworthy turns out to be the villain. While experienced moviegoers might guess this twist early on, it doesn’t make the film any less enjoyable.

What makes the plot twist in Zootopia 2 even better is that the movie openly acknowledges it’s repeating a trick from the first film. It’s funny because it works both times, and I love how the movie is self-aware and playful with its references. I’m sure there are lots of clever moments like this in Zootopia 2 that I’ll enjoy even more on repeat viewings.

I Really Thought Gary’s Story Was So Clearly Wrapped Into Historical Accuracy That I Was Surprised The Film Went There

Gary’s account of losing his land feels deeply connected to real historical events. It’s well-known that the United States was founded on land taken from others, and his story fits within that larger history. But it’s also important to remember that colonization often involved specifically targeting and taking land from communities of color – a part of the story that doesn’t always get enough attention.

Just like the first Zootopia movie, the sequel explores how fear of those who are different can lead to prejudice. Gary, a reptile, and others like him are unfairly seen as monsters because other animals have been taught to be afraid of them. These fears are based on false information, turning them into villains in the eyes of many, even though it’s not true.

Only after Judy discovers the truth can the animals start to overcome years of ingrained biases. The film Zootopia 2 uses this story to represent racism, showing how discrimination based on species leads to unfairness and hostility. It also touches on themes of displacement and the loss of territory.

Gary and his family’s experiences reflect a larger, painful history of colonization and its consequences. Despite being a fun and lighthearted film, Zootopia tackles surprisingly complex themes, which contributes to its status as one of Disney’s most enjoyable and thought-provoking works.

I Loved Zootopia 2’s Maturity, But It Is Still A Film That The Whole Family Can Enjoy

Many of us were unsure about Zootopia 2, but thankfully, the movie lived up to the spirit of the original. It felt both timely and meaningful, and it really works because it appeals to viewers of all ages.

Animated movies bring joy to kids and offer thought-provoking themes for adults. While often seen as just for children, many animated films have deeper meanings that appeal to a wider audience. Movies like the upcoming Zootopia 2 demonstrate that these films aren’t as simple as they appear.

These films are really complex and rewarding. I’m excited to rewatch this movie and discover new details each time. Zootopia 2 seems like a film that improves with repeated viewings.

Catch Zootopia 2 in a theater near you.

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2025-12-16 18:13