“Zootopia 2,” the heavily anticipated follow-up to Disney’s 2016 blockbuster Zootopia, hit theatres Nov. 26. Directed by Jared Bush and Bryon Howard, the sequel attracts an audience of all ages and an array of unique opinions. While the movie seems superficial at first, to me, it is an undercover social commentary reflecting real-world issues. With the first movie focusing on individual bias between predators and prey, the sequel expands on this idea and focuses on systematic exclusion. The film features the same two lovable characters, Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), as they embark on a new adventure. Previously a criminal, Wilde has now joined Hopps as a police officer, and they are entering their first season as partners.
This time, the duo must solve a reptilian mystery. Snakes have been cast out of Zootopia after one was wrongfully accused of murder many years ago. Unfamiliar with snakes, Judy and Nick are shocked when they encounter one trying to steal Zootopia’s beloved journal, containing the city plan that allows animals of all species and climate preferences to live in harmony. Gary De’Snake (Ke Huy Quan) slithers into the story and changes everything for Nick and Judy. As it turns out, Gary’s grandmother was the journal’s true owner. Her idea was stolen, and she was framed for murder, leading to generations of fear and prejudice against snakes. After learning this, Judy and Nick must fight to uncover the truth and restore the snake’s rightful home.
To me, the snake’s story is a clear allegorical message about discrimination. The snakes have been systematically cast out, changing views of them for years to come. Young kids are raised to fear them, and the cycle continues. It is also a parallel to colonial practices: labeling an entire population as something they aren’t to justify their removal and the appropriation of their land and resources. Judy and Nick have gone their whole lives with people doubting their abilities. Nick is seen as a dangerous fox; Judy as a helpless bunny. Because of this, their new adventure and success in this film warm the hearts of audience members who have been rooting for them since the first movie.
Some criticize the movies, but those conversations are necessary, and the format of this movie is a perfect way to bring them to light. The huge audience suggests that there is an appetite for family films that also explore social issues. While the city is supposed to be a perfect utopia, the inclusion of real-world issues makes the movie easier to relate to.
“Zootopia 2” serves as a reminder that animation doesn’t always have to contain juvenile messaging and that humor and heavy topics can coexist within a film. Many of Disney’s movies allow knowledge of real-life issues to be more accessible to a wider audience and prompt conversations about prejudice for a greater number of people.
As of Jan. 7, the movie is currently showing at Riverdale 10 VIP Cinema, Cinemark Colonel Glenn and XD, and AMC Chenal 9.
