A new trailer for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ upcoming animated adventure “Zootopia 2” has launched and features an all-new original song, “Zoo,” performed by Shakira who returns as the voice of Zootopia’s biggest pop star, Gazelle.

In the trailer, audiences get a first look at brand-new characters and a hidden reptile population when rookie cops Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman) come face-to-face with a mysterious pit viper, Gary De’Snake (voice of Academy Award®-winner Ke Huy Quan). The film is directed by the Oscar®-winning team of Disney Animation chief creative officer Jared Bush and Byron Howard and produced by Yvett Merino.

“Zoo” music and lyrics are written by Ed Sheeran, Blake Slatkin and Shakira. The song is produced by Blake Slatkin, Alex (A.C.) Castillo, Shakira and Ed Sheeran. The single “Zoo” releases on Friday, October 10. The “Zootopia 2” score is composed by Academy Award®-winner Michael Giacchino and launches as a part of the full soundtrack on Friday, November 21, ahead of the film’s theatrical release on Thursday, November 27.

In addition to writing and producing the single “Zoo” with Shakira, Ed Sheeran and Blake Slatkin appear in “Zootopia 2” in special cameos as a pair of sheep named Ed Shearin and Baalake Lambkin.

“Zoo” will resonate with fans of the breakout anthem “Try Everything” featured in the original Oscar® winning film “Zootopia” released in 2016. “Try Everything” has been streamed 2.7 billion times worldwide to date.

The “Zootopia 2” voice cast is composed of an astounding pool of talent that also includes Andy Samberg (“Saturday Night Live”), David Strathairn (“Good Night, and Good Luck”), Macaulay Culkin (“American Horror Story”) and Brenda Song (“The Last Showgirl”) who appear as the Lynxleys, one of the most prominent families in Zootopia. Comedian Fortune Feimster (“Crushing It”) previously joined the cast as Nibbles Maplestick, an oddball beaver whose podcast explores reptile mysteries; Idris Elba (“Heads of State”) returns as Chief Bogo, the well-respected head of the Zootopia Police Department; Patrick Warburton (“The Emperor’s New Groove”) voices actor-turned-politician Mayor Brian Winddancer; Quinta Brunson (“Abbott Elementary”) stars as Dr. Fuzzby, an adorable quokka therapy animal; and Nate Torrence (“Get Smart”) reprises his role as Clawhauser, Zootopia Police Department’s charming cheetah receptionist.
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But it doesn’t take long for their partnership to be put to the ultimate test when they find themselves on the twisting trail of a mystery tied to the arrival of a venomous snake in the animal metropolis.

While “Zootopia 2” introduces Gary De’Snake (voice of Ke Huy Quan), Nibbles (voice of Fortune Feimster) and quokka therapist Dr. Fuzzby (voice of Quinta Brunson), the upcoming feature film also welcomes back a herd of characters who made their debut in the Oscar®-winning film “Zootopia.”

“It’s been an absolute joy to reteam with so many actors who made the first film so special, and so exciting to expand the world with our phenomenal new cast members,” said director/writer Jared Bush (chief creative officer for Walt Disney Animation Studios).

“I can’t wait for audiences to see what other surprises we have in store in this brand-new adventure.”

Bringing the returning characters to life are returning cast members who join Goodwin, Bateman and Shakira (voice of Gazelle):
Idris Elba (voice of Chief Bogo)
Bonnie Hunt (voice of Bonnie Hopps)
Don Lake (voice of Stu Hopps)
Nate Torrence (voice of Clawhauser)
Jenny Slate (voice of Bellwether)
Alan Tudyk (voice of Duke Weaselton)
Maurice LaMarche (voice of Mr. Big)
Leah Latham (voice of Fru Fru)
Josh Dallas (voice of Frantic Pig)
Tommy Chong (voice of Yax)
Mark Rhino Smith (voice of Officer McHorn)
Raymond Persi (voice of Flash)

From the Oscar®-winning team of Jared Bush and Byron Howard (directors) and Yvett Merino (producer), “Zootopia 2” marks Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 64th animated feature film and will be release November 27!
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In the film, which opens only in cinemas November 27, Judy and Nick find themselves on the twisting trail of a great mystery when Gary De’Snake arrives in Zootopia and turns the animal metropolis upside down. To crack the case, they must go undercover to unexpected new parts of town, where their growing partnership is tested like never before. According to Disney Animation chief creative officer and director Jared Bush, who also wrote the script, a larger world is in store for fans. “We are beyond excited to welcome everyone back to the outrageous, expansive animal metropolis of Zootopia, and take audiences on a hilarious, wild ride into parts of the city we’ve never visited before,” said Bush. “Whether it’s the marshes of semi-aquatic mammals, the vast desert dunes or even greater mysteries beyond, our heroes, Judy and Nick, will meet a lot of new friends, and discover even more about the world, themselves and a brand-new snake in town.”

Added director Byron Howard, “The trailer features the original song ‘ZUTU’ by Zootopia’s finest lemming techno group, LEMEEENS. Fresh from touring with superstar Gazelle as her opening act, members Hans-Peter, Gūnther, Spielt and their DJ, Spaß, created the song to mark the occasion and welcome the world back to the City of Zootopia!”

From the Oscar®-winning team of Jared Bush and Byron Howard (directors) and Yvett Merino (producer), “Zootopia 2” also features the voices of Fortune Feimster, Quinta Brunson and Shakira, who returns as Gazelle.
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The film, based on the novel by Christopher Isherwood, does have a very distinct visual look. This at times almost robs the film of its emotional impact by being a bit too obvious but the window into the soul of its main character George Falconer (Firth) is so strong, it helps to keep the focus. George is an English Professor practicing his trade in California in the early sixties.

He has suffered a tremendous personal loss and is barely hanging on. His British detachment prevents him from seeking the help he needs and his friends are at odds on how to help him. His closest friend Charley played by an effervescent Julianne Moore is so self-absorbed she is of little help. With Tom Ford’s visual flair and a set design by the people behind the TV series Mad Men, the film looks superb but it is far from a happy experience.

The acting however is so involving and their emotions so complex that you look past the mere visuals. You end up being drawn to these people’s story and you grow to care about them a great deal.

Rob Hudson
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The film follows Judy, a carrot farmer’s daughter who bucks social norms to engage in a career usually reserved for more robust species such as oxen, rhinos and tigers. When her abilities are underestimated by her chief of police, she teams up with city slicker con-fox, Nick, who is similarly socially pigeon-holed in accordance with his species as a sly character who is always up to no good.

The film is a little heavy handed with its anti-bullying, anti-discrimination, social inclusion, be-what-you-wanna-be message and of course, it’s an important message. But it’s pushed so hard that you find yourself thinking, “Yeah yeah I get it!” long before the movie is over.

This is a minor quibble, however, as the film is full of loveable characters and good humour which is often hilarious.

Considering its directorial lineage, though, it’s less than the sum of its parts. It’s not as good as Wreck-It Ralph though my 9-year=old daughter begs to differ. She says Zootopia is as good as Wreck-It Ralph but adds that neither are as good as Pixels – so make of that what you will.

Either way, though, Zootopia is nothing short of worthy holiday entertainment for child and adult alike.

Stuart Jamieson
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