Zootopia 2's narrative says empathy can create utopia.

I remember seeing the original “Zootopia” movie when it debuted about 10 years ago.

The now-lauded Disney Animation feature came at a transitionary time between in America. Namely, the incoming president of the United States was heralding a tougher citizenry, one that wanted to stomp out weakness by strong-arming difference out of existence.

I think that is why I resonated and remember that film so much. It came at a time that I think myself and the rest of our world needed to hear; that each of our differences (and in the case of Zootopia, species) shouldn’t be treated with prejudice and stereotyping because it’s those differences that make cities great.

Fast forward nearly a decade later, Zootopia 2 seems to be dropping at another timely moment in the U.S. for another subtle lesson about society and living.

While the logline and even movie trailers for it haven’t shown much, I can say having seen the full movie that it does offer a very layered and still directed commentary on racism, government corruption, and… empathy.

Empathy—the polar opposite to difference—is what the filmmakers to the Zootopia sequel say makes their fictional city great. It’s acting from that place of seeing someone who’s different from you and dignifying them. The result is a kindness that understands and wants to love through action.

I had the opportunity to ask Zootopia 2 stars’ Ginnifer Goodwin (Judy Hopps) and Ke Huy Quan (Gary the Snake) about empathy as it related to their character’s performances.

“I think this time around, I aspire to be more like Judy,” says Goodwin. “It’s strange to say, but in performing her, I think I really want to be more like her; her disarming and transforming kindness,” she added.

Quan continued, “When I read the script, I was so moved by it. I really wanted to be better not just for myself, but for my community. I really think empathy is really what we need right now to get change to happen within our cities.”

Zootopia 2 hits theaters on November 26, 2025.

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