Zootopia 2 is Set to Captivate Audiences Soon
Zootopia 2 is set to hit the big screen soon, offering a potentially perfect family film for the holiday season. Fans are expected to revisit the original installment to reconnect with the beloved characters and the richly detailed world of Zootopia. The original film was a massive success for The Walt Disney Company and Walt Disney Animation Studios, and the sequel promises even more adventures and quirky animal characters. A trailer is already available for viewing, showcasing familiar favorites alongside some new faces.
However, there’s another Disney project that fans might have overlooked, which is worth watching before Zootopia 2 arrives. Not only does it serve as a testing ground for new ideas within this fictional universe, but it also demonstrates how the Disney+ streaming service can best be utilized moving forward.
Zootopia+ Offers a Unique Look into the Zootopia Universe
Back in 2022, before Zootopia 2 was even a concept, Zootopia+ debuted on Disney+. The animated series was produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios, the same team behind the Zootopia movies. This ensured a seamless continuation of the world and characters that fans had come to love. The show consists of six mini-length episodes, each focusing on a different area of Zootopia. Each short features characters from the original film, including Judy’s parents, Fru Fru and Clawhauser, who take center stage. Flash, of course, remains an iconic source of humor.
Zootopia+ quickly became a hit, receiving praise from both fans and critics. It later made its television debut on Disney XD and Disney Channel, expanding its audience. Despite being brief, the show offers a slice-of-life look at life in Zootopia, much like Cars on the Road. It doesn’t follow a long-form narrative or introduce major twists, but instead provides small-scale stories filled with humor and charm.
The Show Delivers Bite-Sized Entertainment
While no second season has been confirmed, likely due to the focus on Zootopia 2, there’s potential for a follow-up. The reduced production schedule makes it feasible for Disney to revisit the series. Zootopia+ has been hailed as the perfect extension of the Zootopia franchise, earning awards at the Annie Awards and Children’s and Family Emmy Awards, along with additional nominations.
One of the strengths of Zootopia+ is its ability to retain the original voice actors from the feature film. Disney+ often keeps the same performers for spinoff shows, and Zootopia+ is no exception. Bonnie Hunt, Maurice LaMarche, Alan Tudyk, Idris Elba, Shakira, and Nate Torrence all return to their roles, ensuring continuity and consistency in the production.
Expanding the World of Zootopia
Zootopia+ adds depth to the background characters of Zootopia, allowing viewers to explore the city in greater detail. The show takes audiences deeper into the world, showcasing elements that were hinted at in the original film. From the travel infrastructure to governmental organizations and biomes, every aspect of Zootopia reflects the human world with unique animal twists.
The series offers a sweeping tour of the city, highlighting its most interesting residents. Some of the episodes delve into the criminal underworld, featuring Fru Fru in a reality-show knockoff and a more Godfather-esque storyline where she marries the Shrew of her dreams. Other highlights include Duke Weaselton exploring his life through music and a date between Flash and Priscilla that moves at a comically slow pace.
Zootopia+ Sets a New Standard for Disney+
Zootopia+ serves as a perfect example of how Disney+ can expand its animated worlds. The series provides a sandbox for experimentation, allowing storytellers to explore new possibilities with Zootopia and its characters. These ideas could have played a role in shaping the sequel, as they helped deepen the understanding of the franchise.
Disney+ was once envisioned as a hub for animated shows and spinoffs inspired by hit films. While some projects like Monsters at Work, Cars on the Road, and Baymax! have seen success, others like Moana and a Tiana series were either turned into sequels or canceled. Despite this, Zootopia+ proves that there is value in creating shorter, episodic content that complements larger films.
Supporting Future Animated Content
Zootopia+ is still available on Disney+, with all six episodes streaming. While there’s no news on a follow-up, the release of Zootopia 2 could pave the way for more sequels and spinoffs. For now, it’s a great time to explore the platform and discover what else the Zootopia universe has to offer. Supporting shows like Zootopia+ is essential to showing Disney that these creative endeavors are worth pursuing.
