Zootopia (franchise)

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For the film, see Zootopia.

Zootopia
Franchise logo used since the 2016 film
Created by
Original workZootopia (2016)
OwnerDisney Enterprises, Inc.
Years2016–present
Films and television
Film(s)
Animated seriesZootopia+ (2022)
Games
Video game(s)
Audio
Soundtrack(s)Zootopia (2016)
Miscellaneous
Theme park attraction(s)Zootopia: Hot Pursuit (2023–present)
Official website
disney.com/Zootopia/
  • * Work where this franchise's characters or settings appeared as part of a crossover.

Zootopia, also known as Zootropolis or Zoomania in various regions,[a] is a Disney media franchise that originally started in 2016 with the release of the American animated feature film Zootopia, produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios, and released by Walt Disney Pictures. The series takes place in the titular city where anthropomorphic mammals coexist, telling the story of an unlikely partnership between a rabbit police officer and a red fox con artist as they uncover a criminal conspiracy.

The franchise consists of two animated films, Zootopia (2016) and a sequel currently in development, and one television series, Zootopia+ (2022), which aired on Disney+.

Films[edit]

Zootopia (2016)[edit]

Main article: Zootopia

Development of the film that would come to be called Zootopia began when Byron Howard pitched six-story ideas to Disney Animation chief creative officer and executive producer John Lasseter, of which three involved animal characters: an all-animal adaptation of The Three Musketeers,[1] a 1960s-themed story about a "mad doctor cat...who turned children into animals", and a "bounty hunter pug in space".[2] The common thread running through these ideas was that Howard wanted to do a film similar to Disney's Robin Hood, which also featured animals in anthropomorphic roles.[3] According to Howard, Zootopia emerged from his desire to create something different from other animal anthropomorphic films, where animals either live in the natural world or in the human world. His concept, in which animals live in a modern world designed by animals for animals, was well received by Lasseter, who responded by embracing and lifting Howard "in the air like a baby Simba".[4] Lasseter suggested that Howard should try combining the 1960s theme with the animal characters, especially the space pug.[2] This led Howard to develop and pitch Savage Seas, an international spy film centered on an arctic hare named "Jack Savage" who was somewhat like James Bond.[2][5] It was around this time that screenwriter Jared Bush was hired to work on the film; he was excited to work on a spy film because his own father and grandfather had worked for the Central Intelligence Agency.[2]

Howard and Bush continued to develop the film with the assistance of the Disney Story Trust, the studio's top creative personnel who meet regularly to review and discuss all projects in development.[5] The most delightful part of the spy film turned out to be its first act, set in a city created by and for animals.[2] To focus on the all-animal city, Howard eventually dropped the 1960s setting, along with the espionage and international aspects, and changed the film into a contemporary police procedural in which Nick Wilde was the lead role and Judy Hopps was essentially his sidekick.[2][5][6] For a while, "the filmmakers were very committed" to that version of the story,[5] but then in November 2014, the filmmakers realized the film's plot would be more engaging if they reversed the roles to instead focus on Hopps as opposed to Wilde.[6] The change in perspective involved dropping several characters, including two characters known as "The Gerbil Jerks" who were described as "trust-fund gerbils that had nothing better to do than harass Nick."[7]

In May 2013, The Hollywood Reporter initially reported that Howard was directing the film and that Jason Bateman had been cast, but little else about the film was known at the time.[8] Zootopia was first officially announced on August 10, 2013, at the D23 Expo, with a March 2016 release date.[3][9]

Research for the film took place in Disney's Animal Kingdom, as well as in Kenya and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, where animators spent eight months studying various animals' walk cycles as well as fur color.[10][11] Eight hundred thousand forms of mammals were created for and featured in the film.[11] To make the characters' fur even more realistic, they also went to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County to closely observe the appearance of fur with a microscope under a variety of lighting.[12][11] The filmmakers drew inspiration for Zootopia's urban design from major cities including New York City, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Paris, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Brasília.[13] To develop a city that could actually be inhabited by talking mammals ranging in size from two inches (5.1 cm) to 27 feet (8.2 m) and from drastically different climates, the filmmakers consulted Americans with Disabilities Act specialists and HVAC system designers.[14] For assistance with designing motor vehicles appropriate for so many different types and sizes of mammals, the filmmakers consulted with J Mays, former chief creative officer of the Ford Motor Company.[15] During the development process, Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan F. Horn suggested that Nick should expressly state his disappointment ("Just when I thought someone actually believed in me...") after discovering that Judy still fears him as a predator.[16] In March 2015, it was revealed that Rich Moore (Wreck-It Ralph) had been added as a director of the film, in addition to Jared Bush (Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero) as co-director.[17]

Zootopia 2 (2025)[edit]

In June 2016, Howard and Moore were in talks about the possibility of a Zootopia sequel.[18][19][20][21][22] On February 8, 2023, Disney CEO Bob Iger announced that a sequel to Zootopia was in the works.[23] Later that day, screenwriter Jared Bush confirmed that he was working on the film,[24] while Josie Trinidad was confirmed as the film's co-director.[25] Ginnifer Goodwin told CinemaBlend that she'd like to see a role reversal between Judy and Nick in the sequel, stating that she "would like to see Nick have to be the one to convince Judy that the world is worth fighting for." Jason Bateman also told CinemaBlend about his idea for the sequel: "The two of us [Nick and Judy] kicking ass out there. Cleaning up the streets. We're a couple of new cops out there. So, bad guys, be warned."[26]

Film Release date Director(s) Screenwriter(s) Producer(s)
Zootopia March 4, 2016 (2016-03-04) Rich Moore & Byron Howard
Co-Director
Jared Bush 		Jared Bush & Phil Johnston Clark Spencer
Zootopia 2 November 26, 2025 (2025-11-26) Jared Bush
Co-Director
Josie Trinidad 		Jared Bush TBA

Television series[edit]

Zootopia+ (2022)[edit]

Main article: Zootopia+

The anthology series features six stories that take place during the events of the original film.[27] On December 10, 2020, Walt Disney Animation Studios chief creative officer Jennifer Lee announced that a spin-off series titled Zootopia+ and based on the 2016 film Zootopia is in development at the studio for Disney+.[28] Trent Correy and Josie Trinidad, who worked as an animator and head of story for the film, respectively, were set to direct the series.[28] The idea for the series was suggested by Correy during a pitch presentation in 2020, as one of three pitches for potential Disney+ series; he developed a pitch for a Zootopia series due to his interest in wanting to further explore the film's world and characters.[29][30][31] Trinidad was originally set to direct only two episodes for the series, but her excitement to work on the project caused her to be ascended to co-director for the entire series alongside Cortney.[30] The series was produced remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which complicated the production process according to producer Nathan Curtis.[32][30] Correy's pitch featured 10 stories, but four of them had to be discarded due to receiving a 6-episode order.[33] Lee executive-produces the series alongside Zootopia co-directors and Encanto directors Byron Howard and Jared Bush.[30]

Setting[edit]

The Zootopia franchise takes place in a fictional world inhabited by anthropomorphic mammals.

Zootopia[edit]

Zootopia is a modern city and the main setting of the franchise. There are 12 unique ecosystems within the city limits between its different districts which include:

  • Tundratown -
  • Sahara Square -
  • Rainforest District -
  • Savanna Central -
  • Little Rodentia -
  • Meadowlands -
  • Outback Island -
  • Canal District -

Bunnyburrow[edit]

Bunnyburrow is a rural neighborhood and the birth place of the franchise's protagonist Judy Hopps.

Cast and characters[edit]

Main article: List of characters in the Zootopia franchise
List indicator(s)

This section includes characters who will appear or have appeared in the franchise.

  • An empty, dark grey cell indicates the character was not in the film, or that the character's official presence has not yet been confirmed.
  •  A indicates an appearance through archival footage or audio.
  •  Y indicates a younger version of the character.
Characters Feature film Television series
Zootopia Zootopia+
Officer Judy Hopps Ginnifer Goodwin
Della SabaY 		Ginnifer GoodwinA
Nicholas "Nick" Wilde Jason Bateman
Kath SoucieY 		Jason BatemanA
Chief Bogo Idris Elba
Officer Benjamin Clawhauser Nate Torrence
Dawn Bellwether Jenny Slate
Mayor Lionheart J. K. Simmons
Stu Hopps Don Lake
Bonnie Hopps Bonnie Hunt
Gideon Grey Phil Johnston Silent cameo
Gazelle Shakira
Finnick Tom Lister, Jr. Silent cameo
Jerry Jumbeaux, Jr. John DiMaggio
Duke Weaselton Alan Tudyk
Mrs. Otterton Octavia Spencer Cameo on device
Yax Tommy Chong John Lavelle
Nangi Gita Reddy
Flash Raymond S. Persi
Priscilla Kristen Bell
Mr. Big Maurice LaMarche
Fru Fru Leah Latham
Manchas Jesse Corti
Dr. Madge Honey Badger Katie Lowes
Doug Rich Moore
Molly Hopps Katie Lowes
Brianca
Mandy
Christine Porsha Williams
Charisma Crystal Kung Minkoff
Tru Tru Michelle Buteau
Sam Charlotte Nicdao

Additional crew and production details[edit]

Occupation Films Television Series
Zootopia Zootopia 2 Zootopia+
Director(s) Byron Howard and Rich Moore Jared Bush and Josie Trinidad Trent Correy and Josie Trinidad
Screenwriter(s) Jared Bush and Phil Johnston
Story by
Byron Howard
Jared Bush
Rich Moore
Josie Trinidad
Jim Reardon
Phil Johnston
and Jennifer Lee 		Jared Bush Trent Correy and Josie Trinidad and Michael Herrera
Producer Clark Spencer TBA Nathan Curtis
Executive Producers John Lasseter TBA Jennifer Lee, Jared Bush, Byron Howard
Composer Michael Giacchino TBA Curtis Green and Mick Giacchino
Michael Giacchino ("Duke: The Musical")
Cinematography Nathan Warner
Brian Lench 		TBA Joqauin Baldwin
Gina Warr Lawes
Editor Fabienne Rawley
Jeremy Milton 		TBA Shannon Stein
Jeff Draheim
Studio(s) Walt Disney Pictures
Walt Disney Animation Studios 		Walt Disney Animation Studios
Distributor Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Disney+
Runtime 1h 48min TBA 7min

Reception[edit]

Box office performance[edit]

Film Release date Box office Rank Budget (millions) Ref.
Opening weekend
North America 		North America Other territories Worldwide All time
North America 		All time
worldwide
Zootopia March 4, 2016 $75,063,401 $341,268,248 $684,253,441 $1,025,521,689 No. 21 No. 49 $150 million [34][35]
Total $75,063,401 $19,500,008 $684,253,441 $1,025,521,689 $150,000,000

Critical and public reception[edit]

Reviews[edit]

Critical and public response of Zootopia
Title Critical Public
Rotten Tomatoes Metacritic CinemaScore
Zootopia 98% (298 reviews)[36] 78 (43 reviews)[37] A[38]

Awards[edit]

Main article: List of accolades received by Zootopia
Award Category Zootopia
Academy Awards Best Animated Feature Won
Annie Awards Best Animated Feature Won
Kids' Choice Awards Favorite Animated Movie Nominated
People's Choice Awards Favorite Movie Nominated

The film was chosen by the American Film Institute as one of the top ten films of 2016,[39] and won the Academy Award,[40] Golden Globe, Critics Choice Movie Award and Annie Award for Best Animated Feature Film. It also received a nomination for the BAFTA Award for Best Animated Film, which it lost to Kubo and the Two Strings.[41][42]

Music[edit]

Soundtracks[edit]

Title U.S. release date Length Composer(s) Label
Zootopia (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) March 4, 2016 (2016-03-04) 62:34 Michael Giacchino Walt Disney Records

Singles[edit]

Title U.S. release date Length Artist(s) Label Film
"Try Everything" February 23, 2016 (2016-02-23) 3:22 Shakira Walt Disney Records Zootopia

Video games[edit]

Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde are included in Disney Infinity 3.0 as playable characters. As with other characters in the Disney Infinity series, figurines of them were released to interact with the game.[43]

In 2016 was launched the hidden object game Zootopia: Crime Files, in which Judy and Nick must solve a crime solving skills in puzzle games. The game ended up being shut down eventually.[44][45]

In the world building game Disney Magic Kingdoms, Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, Chief Bogo and Flash appear as playable characters.[46]

The video game Disney Heroes: Battle Mode includes Judy and Nick as playable characters.[47]

In 2018 was released Zootopia: Racing Carnival, a racing game which includes the characters of the film as playable characters in races with their own cars. The game ended up being shut down eventually.[48]

Judy Hopps appears as a playable character in the video game Disney Mirrorverse.[49]

Attraction[edit]

Shanghai Disney Resort announced that a Zootopia theme-land was opened on December 20, 2023 at Shanghai Disneyland, as part of The Walt Disney Company's 100th Anniversary celebration.[50]

In other media[edit]

Judy Hoops and Nick Wilde made cameo appearances in the 2018 film Ralph Breaks the Internet.[51]

Several characters of Zootopia have cameo appearances in the 2023 short film Once Upon a Studio.[52]

Judy Hoops and Nick Wilde made cameo appearances in the end credits in the 2023 film Wish.

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Due to trademark issues, the film is titled Zootropolis in various regions such as the UK, Ireland, Italy and Spain, and Zoomania in Germany.

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Academy Conversations: Zootopia-Oscars on YouTube". YouTube.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Julius, Jessica (2016). The Art of Zootopia. San Francisco: Chronicle Books. p. 9. ISBN 978-1-4521-5405-3. Archived from the original on February 16, 2017. Retrieved February 6, 2017.
  3. ^ a b Graser, Marc (August 9, 2013). "D23 Expo: Disney Reveals Animated 'Zootopia' for 2016". Variety. Archived from the original on December 13, 2013. Retrieved March 1, 2014.
  4. ^ Bahr, Lindsey (August 9, 2013). "Disney Animation preview: 'Frozen,' 'Big Hero 6,' at Disney's D23, Plus 'Zootopia' announced". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on August 10, 2013. Retrieved August 9, 2013.
  5. ^ a b c d Deitchman, Beth (Spring 2016). "The Start of Zootopia: The filmmakers behind Walt Disney Animation Studios' latest film take us on a wonderful journey through Zootopia". Disney Twenty-three. 8 (1). Burbank: Walt Disney Company: 26–28. ISSN 2162-5492. OCLC 698366817.
  6. ^ a b Lussier, Germain (January 20, 2016). "How Disney Fixed a Huge Mistake With Zootopia, Just One Year Before Release". io9. Gawker Media. Archived from the original on January 20, 2016. Retrieved January 20, 2016.
  7. ^ Alexander, Bryan. "Exclusive: Lost characters of 'Zootopia' found". USA Today. Archived from the original on June 6, 2016. Retrieved June 6, 2016.
  8. ^ Kit, Borys (May 3, 2013). "Disney, 'Tangled' Director Plot New Animated Feature With Jason Bateman (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on May 7, 2013. Retrieved June 1, 2013.
  9. ^ Kilday, Gregg (December 4, 2013). "Pixar vs. Disney Animation: John Lasseter's Tricky Tug-of-War". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on December 5, 2013. Retrieved December 4, 2013.
  10. ^ Celestino, Mike (December 1, 2015). "With next year's "Zootopia", Walt Disney Animation Studios promises a different kind of talking animal movie". Inside the Magic. Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  11. ^ a b c Lalwani, Mona (March 4, 2016). "Fur technology makes Zootopia's bunnies believable". Engadget. AOL. Archived from the original on April 14, 2016. Retrieved April 14, 2016.
  12. ^ Julius, Jessica (2016). The Art of Zootopia. San Francisco: Chronicle Books. p. 10. ISBN 978-1-4521-5405-3. Archived from the original on February 16, 2017. Retrieved February 7, 2017.
  13. ^ "Disney's 'Zootopia': Making A Movie That's Never Been Seen "Be-Fur"". Geeks of Doom. December 1, 2015. Retrieved March 15, 2016.
  14. ^ Keegan, Rebecca (March 4, 2016). "Did a Disney animated film really say that? If it's 'Zootopia,' prepare to be shocked". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on March 20, 2016. Retrieved March 20, 2016.
  15. ^ Julius, Jessica (2016). The Art of Zootopia. San Francisco: Chronicle Books. p. 6. ISBN 978-1-4521-5405-3. Archived from the original on March 14, 2017. Retrieved March 13, 2017.
  16. ^ Rainey, James (April 11, 2016). "Disney's Alan Horn Uses Low-Key Approach, Keen Creative Vision to Find Hits of the Future". Variety. Los Angeles: Variety Media. Archived from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved December 14, 2016.
  17. ^ "Walt Disney Animation Studios Reveals New Zootopia Concept Art". ComingSoon.net. CraveOnline. March 3, 2015. Archived from the original on March 6, 2015. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
  18. ^ "Zootopia directors talk sequel, TV potential – EW.com". June 2, 2016. Archived from the original on January 15, 2018. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  19. ^ Peter Sciretta (June 6, 2016). "Zootopia 2 Talk Begins As Movie Becomes Second …". Archived from the original on May 11, 2018. Retrieved March 30, 2018.
  20. ^ "Zootopia's Directors Are Already Thinking About Sequel Possibilities". Archived from the original on March 11, 2018. Retrieved March 30, 2018.
  21. ^ "Zootopia 2 Release Date Cancelled? Latest Updates!".
  22. ^ "Is Zootopia 2 Finally Coming? Zootopia 2 Confirmed Release Date, Cast, Trailer, News & Update".
  23. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (February 8, 2023). "Frozen, Toy Story & Zootopia Sequels In The Works". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on February 8, 2023. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
  24. ^ @thejaredbush (February 8, 2023). "Fellow mammals… we've been working on something just fur you. Welcome back" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  25. ^ "Zootopia 2 Release Date: What is Current Production Status?". May 23, 2023.
  26. ^ "'Zootopia 2' Confirmed: Everything To Know About The Long-Awaited Sequel To Hit Disney Film".
  27. ^ Porter, Rick (December 10, 2020). "'Moana,' 'Tiana' Animated Series Set at Disney+". Variety. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
  28. ^ a b Holloway, Daniel (December 10, 2020). "'Moana,' 'Cars,' 'Princess and the Frog' Spinoff Series Set for Disney Plus". Variety. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
  29. ^ "'Zootopia+' Disney+ Release Date Announced". Disney Plus Informer. June 17, 2022. Retrieved June 17, 2022.
  30. ^ a b c d "Zootopia+ Production Notes" (PDF). Disney+. Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution. Retrieved October 29, 2022.
  31. ^ "Everything You Wanted to Know About the Zootopia+ Musical". November 23, 2022. Retrieved December 9, 2022.
  32. ^ "Zootopia+ – Cast and Filmmakers Interview". November 8, 2022. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
  33. ^ Blackburn, Steven (November 10, 2022). "Josie Trinidad, Trent Correy & Nathan Curtis Interview: Zootopia+". ScreenRant. Retrieved November 10, 2022.
  34. ^ Barnes, Brooks (March 6, 2016). "'Zootopia' Tops the Box Office". The New York Times. Archived from the original on March 11, 2016. Retrieved March 13, 2016.
  35. ^ "Zootopia (2016)". Box Office Mojo. IMDb. Archived from the original on May 28, 2017. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
  36. ^ "Zootopia (2016)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. March 4, 2016. Archived from the original on May 23, 2017. Edit this at Wikidata
  37. ^ "Zootopia Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved March 7, 2016.
  38. ^ "Zootopia". CinemaScore on Twitter. Retrieved July 21, 2016.
  39. ^ Hipes, Patrick (December 8, 2016). "AFI Awards: Best Of 2016 Film List Includes 'Silence', 'Hacksaw Ridge' & More". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on December 22, 2016. Retrieved December 8, 2016.
  40. ^ "Oscars 2017: The Complete Winners List". The Hollywood Reporter. February 26, 2017. Archived from the original on February 27, 2017. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
  41. ^ Nordyke, Kimberly; Shanley, Patrick (December 11, 2016). "Critics' Choice Awards: The Complete Winners List". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on December 12, 2016. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  42. ^ "Golden Globes 2017: The Full List of Winners". The Hollywood Reporter. January 8, 2017. Archived from the original on January 9, 2017. Retrieved January 8, 2017.
  43. ^ Hilliard, Kyle (August 16, 2015). "Disney Infinity 3.0 Preview – Good Dinosaur, Zootopia, And Peter Pan On The Way". Game Informer.
  44. ^ Surur (June 29, 2016). "Disney brings Zootopia Crime Files: Hidden Object to the Windows Store". MSPoweruser.
  45. ^ Shaul, Brandy (August 18, 2016). "Disney Launches Zootopia Crime Files: Hidden Object on Mobile". Adweek. Archived from the original on April 26, 2017. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
  46. ^ Disney Magic Kingdoms (Gameloft) (May 26, 2017). "Disney Magic Kingdoms: Update 11 – Zootopia". Facebook.
  47. ^ Nate (April 4, 2018). "Disney And Pixar Join Forces On New Mobile Game Disney Heroes: Battle Mode". mydisneydorks.
  48. ^ "Zootopia: Racing Carnival v1.0.7 APK for Android". PDALIFE. December 22, 2018.
  49. ^ Disney Mirrorverse (June 29, 2022). "Judy Hopps – Disney Mirrorverse". disneymirrorverse.
  50. ^ Frater, Patrick (October 23, 2023). "Zootopia Land to Open at Shanghai Disneyland Theme Park". Variety. Retrieved October 25, 2023.
  51. ^ Joe Hogarty (October 22, 2018). "VIDEO: Nick Wilde Makes An Appearance In This New Trailer For "Ralph Breaks The Internet"". WDW News Today.
  52. ^ Reif, Alex (October 16, 2023). "Disney's "Once Upon a Studio" – List of Characters in Order of Appearance". Laughing Place.

External links[edit]

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