Disney is officially bringing us back to the bustling metropolis of anthropomorphic animals with Zootopia 2, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most anticipated animated sequels in recent years. Slated for theatrical release on November 26, 2025, the film strategically lands during Thanksgiving weekend—an ideal slot Disney often reserves for its biggest holiday-season hits.
This sequel marks a major return for the beloved crime-solving duo Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, whose original 2016 adventure grossed over $1 billion and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Now, nearly a decade later, Zootopia 2 aims to recapture that magic with a bold new story, dynamic characters, and deeper exploration into the city’s uncharted zones.
Zootopia 2 Release Date Locked In for November 2025
🕵️♀️ The Story: A New Threat in the City
Zootopia 2 picks up with Judy and Nick now fully established as crime-fighting partners. This time, their skills are put to the test when a cryptic newcomer named Gary De’Snake slithers into Zootopia and begins disrupting the city’s fragile balance. Gary isn’t your typical villain—he’s cunning, charismatic, and his motives seem to reach beyond mere chaos.
Their investigation takes them to new districts of the city, including the marshlands and deserts—territories that were only hinted at in the first film. The sequel will also introduce deeper lore behind Zootopia’s political and cultural structure, reflecting the more complex themes of trust, prejudice, and institutional change.
🎙️ The Cast: Old Friends & New Faces
The voice lineup mixes returning fan-favorites with exciting new additions:
- Ginnifer Goodwin as Judy Hopps
- Jason Bateman as Nick Wilde
- Ke Huy Quan joins the cast as the mysterious Gary De’Snake
- Fortune Feimster voices Nibbles, a chatty beaver from the marsh markets
- Quinta Brunson plays Dr. Fuzzby, a quirky quokka therapist
- Shakira is back as Gazelle, bringing a brand-new performance piece and musical number
With talent like Ke Huy Quan—fresh off his Oscar win for Everything Everywhere All at Once—Disney is clearly aiming to bring new energy and prestige to the sequel.
🎬 Trailer Teases Bigger Stakes
The teaser trailer, released on May 20, 2025, gives us a fast-paced glimpse into the sequel’s tone and setting. Among the highlights:
- Undercover scenes showing Judy and Nick adapting to their strange new environments
- A first look at Gary De’Snake’s suave but sinister demeanor
- Sweeping visuals of Zootopia’s marshes, canyons, and desert outskirts
- A thumping new techno track titled “ZUTU” by the fictional band LEMEEENS, showing that Zootopia hasn’t lost its sense of rhythm
🎥 Behind the Camera: A Familiar Team
Returning director Jared Bush—who also co-directed the original film and Encanto—leads the project, with Byron Howard once again stepping in as co-director. Yvett Merino, a producer on Encanto, is also back to oversee production. This familiar team suggests a tight creative vision and continuity in tone and style.
🌆 What’s New in Zootopia?
While the original Zootopia introduced us to main areas like Sahara Square and Tundratown, the sequel goes even further, exploring entirely new habitats such as:
- The Marsh Market – A semi-submerged, foggy district filled with semi-aquatic animals
- Canyon Caravans – A nomadic settlement in the rocky outskirts
- Desert Dune Ridge – Where tensions run high and new alliances are formed
Disney is clearly focused on world-building here—creating zones that mirror real-world cultural and environmental issues, all while maintaining a fun, accessible tone for families.
🧭 Why the Wait Will Be Worth It
Disney hasn’t rushed Zootopia 2, and that patience may pay off. In an animation landscape now saturated with sequels and reboots, the franchise’s return stands out thanks to its smart storytelling, timely social themes, and magnetic characters. With expanded world lore, more complex villainy, and a cast brimming with star power, Zootopia 2 is shaping up to be not just a nostalgic revisit—but a meaningful evolution.
🦊🐰 Expect the chase to begin in theaters this November 26, 2025.
Inside Out 2: Now Streaming On Disney+ Plus
“Inside Out 2” became available for streaming on Disney+ on September 25, 2024. The film returns viewers to the mind of Riley, now a teenager, as her emotional headquarters undergoes significant changes to accommodate new feelings.
This sequel explores Riley’s journey through adolescence, with headquarters experiencing a demolition to make room for new emotions. Disney+ is expanding the “Inside Out” universe beyond just the films, with a new series called “Dream Productions” also streaming on the platform. This series dives deeper into Riley’s dreams, offering fans more content from this beloved Pixar world.
Key Takeaways
- “Inside Out 2” is now streaming on Disney+ as of September 25, 2024, continuing Riley’s story as she navigates teenage emotions.
- The sequel features headquarters undergoing demolition to make room for new feelings as Riley matures.
- Disney+ is expanding the franchise with additional content including the “Dream Productions” series based in the same universe.
Inside Out Sequel Developments
The development of *Inside Out 2* has been a major journey, culminating in what became the top-grossing animated film of all time. Disney and Pixar expanded the emotional universe inside teenager Riley’s mind with new characters, challenges, and relatable adolescent themes.
Casting and Voice Talent
*Inside Out 2* brings back several beloved voice actors while introducing new talent to the emotional lineup. Amy Poehler returns as Joy, alongside Lewis Black as Anger and Phyllis Smith as Sadness. These familiar voices help maintain continuity with the original film.
The sequel introduces several new emotions as Riley enters her teenage years. Tony Hale voices Anxiety, a central new character who disrupts the emotional headquarters. Other new emotions include Envy, Embarrassment, Ennui, and Boredom – all representing the complex emotional landscape of adolescence.
Director Kelsey Mann assembled this cast to reflect the authentic chaos and wonder of teenage life. The performances breathe life into abstract emotional ideas, making them meaningful and entertaining for audiences of all ages.
Plot and New Emotions
*Inside Out 2* focuses on Riley as she enters puberty and adolescence. The film kicks off with an unexpected event — headquarters is suddenly demolished to make room for new emotions, marking the beginning of Riley’s emotional evolution.
Among the new arrivals, Anxiety stands out as a disruptive force, upending the established order. Joy and the original crew must figure out how to coexist with these newcomers while helping Riley adapt to a whirlwind of teenage feelings.
The sequel explores the deeper and more complex emotional terrain of growing up. Characters like Envy and Embarrassment are not just background gags—they reflect meaningful shifts in how Riley sees herself and the world around her.
Animation and Production
Production on *Inside Out 2* started in early 2020, with director Kelsey Mann drawing inspiration from personal experiences and adolescence. This personal lens helped the film authentically portray the confusing yet pivotal emotional changes of teenage life.
Pixar’s animation team took on the challenge of developing new character designs that visually represent abstract emotions. Each new emotion has a unique look and feel that complements their personality, while still fitting within the visual framework of the original film.
The result is a movie that honors the original while expanding its scope in fresh and imaginative ways. The sequel’s worldbuilding is both clever and emotionally impactful, connecting with viewers on a deeply personal level.
Availability and Impact on Disney+
Disney and Pixar’s blockbuster Inside Out 2 officially premiered on Disney+ on September 25, 2024. It became the platform’s biggest streaming debut of the year, pulling in over 30 million views within the first five days of release.
Release and Distribution
The film followed Disney’s typical release cadence, with a roughly 100-day window between theatrical release and streaming availability. After a record-breaking summer at the box office, the movie transitioned to streaming without any paywall for subscribers.
Before hitting Disney+, the film was available through digital retailers for early purchase. Its arrival on streaming marked the final stage of Disney’s platform-first strategy, helping boost subscriptions and platform engagement.
Box Office and Records
*Inside Out 2* shattered expectations at the global box office. It became the highest-grossing animated film of all time, surpassing industry benchmarks set by previous Pixar and Disney hits.
The movie’s commercial success, coupled with strong word-of-mouth and critical acclaim, reinforced Pixar’s dominance in the animated film space. It also significantly outperformed its predecessor in total revenue.
Viewer Reception
Fan reception has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media buzz and online discussion praised the film for its emotional complexity and the addition of timely, relevant characters that reflect modern adolescent experiences.
With 30.5 million views in just five days, *Inside Out 2* became Disney+’s biggest premiere of 2024, beating out previous record holders and validating the film’s mass appeal across all age groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the release date for Inside Out 2 on Disney Plus?
*Inside Out 2* was released on Disney+ on September 25, 2024.
Has a trailer for Inside Out 2 been made available on Disney Plus?
Yes, Disney+ released both teaser and full trailers prior to the film’s debut, introducing audiences to the new emotional lineup.
Are there additional emotions featured in Inside Out 2?
Yes, the sequel adds Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, Ennui, and Boredom to the mix, reflecting the emotional complexity of teenage life.
Can Inside Out 2 be watched on platforms other than Disney Plus?
Currently, Disney+ is the exclusive streaming home for *Inside Out 2*. Physical media and digital purchase options are available, but it is not on competing platforms like Netflix or Prime Video.
Is the original Inside Out available for streaming?
Yes, *Inside Out* (2015) is available to stream on Disney+, along with the new “Dream Productions” series that further explores the world inside Riley’s mind.
What is the current status of Inside Out 2?
*Inside Out 2* is fully released in both theaters and on Disney+, where it continues to attract viewers and positive reviews worldwide.
It remains one of the biggest streaming hits of 2024 and has firmly cemented its place as a modern animated classic.
