Zootopia 2 Stars Uncover Hidden Secrets of the Disney Sequel

The Return of Zootopia 2

Zootopia 2 is set to make a splash with its return, featuring the beloved characters Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps. Jason Bateman and Ginnifer Goodwin are back in their roles, bringing the dynamic duo together once again. This sequel picks up just a week after the events of the first film, where the pair must navigate their differences to fix their partnership while investigating a mysterious snake that has appeared in the city after decades.

The ensemble cast includes both returning stars like Idris Elba, Jenny Slate, Nate Torrence, and Shakira, as well as newcomers such as Ke Huy Quan, Fortune Feimster, Patrick Warburton, and Quinta Brunson. Directed by Byron Howard and Jared Bush, the creative team behind the original, the sequel is already receiving praise and is expected to have a strong opening weekend.

A Unique Approach to the Script

When asked about their initial reactions to the script for Zootopia 2, Ginnifer Goodwin revealed that they didn’t even read the script when they first took the jobs. She explained that the reality of working on a franchise often comes down to simply saying yes or no when offered the job:

“That’s not how it works. Are you in or are you out?”

Jason Bateman added that he didn’t read the script for either the first or second movie before signing on for the franchise. He clarified that it wasn’t because he didn’t want to, but rather because that’s the general process for Disney Animation movies. He noted that things are always changing by design to fine-tune the films:

“You’re very much doing this blindfolded, and it’s great because you’re in such great hands.”

The Love for Disney’s “Story First” Approach

Ginnifer Goodwin shared her appreciation for Disney’s focus on the story over individual stars. She mentioned that the names of the actors aren’t on the posters initially, which she found refreshing:

“It’s story first, but therefore it has been a surprise to me [that I was recognized] after the first one.”

She also reflected on how the characters have become so meaningful to people over the years. Bateman joked about hearing from his friends who are dads, complaining about the constant mentions of Zootopia in their homes.

A Nostalgic Interview

The interview touched on some nostalgic moments, including Ash Crossan’s journey from being nervous during the first movie’s interview to feeling more confident now. Bateman humorously recalled being at the longest baseball game ever, the World Series game, and how the announcers kept cutting to him during the game. He joked about the amount of food he consumed during the game and the potential for hangovers among fans.

“You sing ‘Take Me Out to the Ball Game’ in the middle of the seventh inning, and you sing it again in the middle of the 14th inning. That happened in both those games.”