After almost ten years of anticipation, Zootopia 2 has finally arrived in cinemas, marking a significant milestone in Disney’s history with one of its key features. Although the original movie earned over $1 billion at the box office, the sequel did not start active development until early 2023. Directors Jared Bush, who also contributed to the screenplay, and Byron Howard, returned to direct the film.
Released during the Thanksgiving weekend, Zootopia 2 is on track to break several records. It started with its Rotten Tomatoes critical score, which came very close to matching the success of the original film, a feat not seen since Ralph Breaks the Internet outdid its predecessor seven years earlier. The sequel has also achieved a significant milestone in its global box office earnings, surpassing $81 million, which is more than the original film’s $75.1 million debut.
In a discussion with ScreenRant‘s Ash Crossan during the sequel’s launch, directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard, along with producer Yvett Merino, shared how Zootopia 2 broke a major Disney record with its ensemble cast. The film not only features returning stars like Jason Bateman, Ginnifer Goodwin, and Idris Elba but also introduces over 50 new actors to the franchise. This impressive lineup includes Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan, Emmy winner Quinta Brunson, and Grammy winner Ed Sheeran, among others.
Reflecting on the creation of this new ensemble, Howard announced that Zootopia 2 boasts the largest voice cast in Disney’s history, with approximately 70 “speaking roles.” While keeping some names under wraps, Howard hinted at the exciting cameos in the film, and Bush highlighted the joy of collaborating again with “friends of ours”:
Jared Bush: Honestly, it was so much fun because so many people in this movie are friends of ours. We got to team up again with friends of ours from Encanto. We got to team up with friends of ours from Moana. We got to team up with Anika Noni Rose, coming in from Tiana. It is just unbelievable. It is an embarrassment of riches, and being able to spend time with these people that we love so much was a joy.
The Fascinating Backstory of Zootopia 2’s Charismatic Horse Mayor
ScreenRant: Given that y’all have worked on some of my favorite Disney films, did you include any hidden gems in this one?
Byron Howard: There are a million references. Yvett and I worked together on Tangled, and Rapunzel’s frying pan not only appears once, but twice. We never discard anything because why create something new? It plays a crucial role. But what we really cherish about these films is their richness and our playful, cunning crew. They’ve tucked away so many references in the film that we’re only now discovering. We have our favorites, but we’re excited to hear yours.
ScreenRant: One of the highlights of the premiere was the laughter from the kids, followed shortly by the adults. It seems there’s something in it for everyone.
Byron Howard: Missing live audiences was tough, especially with the pandemic. These films are about experiencing them together, in a dark room, feeling the collective emotions. That premiere was incredibly healing for me.
ScreenRant: It’s been nearly a decade since the last film, and these characters have become icons. What does that mean to you?
Jared Bush: It means everything. Our projects typically take about five years to complete. During most of that time, it’s just us and our team, inside, living with these characters and this world, hoping it connects. We adore it internally, but it’s always a question if it will resonate externally. When it does, it’s incredibly rewarding because 700 people pour their hearts into each story. Watching these movies come to life is a collaborative triumph, and seeing them embraced is a dream come true.
ScreenRant: I have to ask, that very attractive horse mayor, was he inspired by Fabio?
Byron Howard: That’s a great example of how the best ideas often don’t originate with us. This was Ami Thompson’s brainchild. We were brainstorming who should be the mayor, and she suggested a horse.
Jared Bush: We questioned, “A horse, with all these other animals around?”
Byron Howard: “Why a horse?” And she showed us this horse, a former ’90s action star turned politician. We were sold. When it came to choosing a voice, only Patrick Warburton made sense. He was so touched when we called, and it felt like destiny that he agreed. It was as if the stars aligned for this hot horse mayor.
ScreenRant: With such a star-studded cast, who would you dream of including in the third movie, which I hear is in the works?
Jared Bush: A new character? My son is obsessed with Keanu Reeves playing his character from John Wick, named the Baba Llama. Keanu, let’s make it happen.
Yvett Merino: I’ve always been partial to a good kangaroo. I think we could definitely find a place for one.
Byron Howard: We’ve been thinking about Australian animals. There’s a buzz around Outback Island, a concept we’ve toyed with since 14 years ago. You never know what might come up next. Having Robert Irwin in this movie was a treat, making a fantastic cameo. Anything’s possible.
Don’t miss more of our Zootopia 2 coverage, including:
- Our Zootopia 2 Review
- Insights from Bateman, Goodwin, & Byron Howard on WildeHopps shipping
- Ke Huy Quan & Fortune Feimster discuss joining the sequel and Tom Hiddleston’s potential character
- Bateman & Goodwin on the secrecy of the Zootopia franchise
- Predictions for the film’s Disney+ premiere
- A parental guide to Zootopia 2‘s content
- Explaining the ending of Zootopia 2
- How the sequel’s post-credits scene sets up Zootopia 3
Zootopia 2 is now showing in theaters!
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
