Savanna Central, Sahara Square, Tundratown, and Bunnyburrow are just four of the eleven districts in the elaborate world of “Zootopia 2.” Blending contemporary societal issues, such as systemic corruption, within a fantastical plot, this film serves as an incredible example of Disney’s strengths: creating meaningful stories that are palatable for all audiences. The movie centers around crime-fighting duo Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, as they attempt to defeat the Lynxleys, a prominent yet corrupt family that has been alienating reptiles. The heart of the story promotes integrity, acceptance, and standing up for your beliefs in the face of oppression. Amidst moments of clarity, Wilde expresses his newfound hope for coexistence among the animal community, declaring, “Sometimes we start to look at all the different reasons we’re not the same. But… if we just tried to understand one another we would see that [they] don’t really make any difference at all.”
“Zootopia 2” contains implicit conversations about gentrification, stereotypes, consent, and corruption within the government. The mayor of Zootopia, Brian Winddancer, is an actor-turned-politician, who largely follows the instructions of the Lynxley family. Through the use of this supporting character, the film makes a statement about the ways in which politicians appease the wishes of the wealthy, above the well-being of their constituents. Though, in true Disney fashion, even corrupt politicians have the opportunity to regain their autonomy and make the moral choice. In the end, Winddancer helps Hopps and Wilde defeat the Lynxleys, and honors them in front of the public.
While political corruption may be seen as overly-controversial for the intended audience of the film, EWS senior Oscar Goldberg empathized with Disney. “It’s important to expose children to that type of stuff. Children need to know what’s going on in the world and build their own opinions about it.” However, Goldberg warns filmmakers, “There’s no reason to expose them to one-sided narratives.”
Ultimately, “Zootopia 2” balances serious commentary with light-hearted jokes, solving any problem with the Disney fix: openness to others, no matter their species. As Bonnie Hopps, mother to Judy Hopps, says, “Just remember the first rule of partnerships. You can be right or you can be happy.”
