Zootopia 3: First Hints About the Disney Sequel
Are there hidden messages in Zootopia 2?
"Zootopia 2" is currently causing a sensation at the box office – but many fans are already asking themselves: What about "Zootopia 3"? We may already have an answer to this question: The second part contains one or two hints of another sequel.
Particularly attentive moviegoers noticed a detail in the cinema: in one scene, fan favorite Benjamin Clawhauser has to enter a password, part of which can be seen on a Post-it note: "P@Rt3izFr&BrdZ". There is already speculation among fans about the last letters of the password. The most common assumption is "R2". This would result in the following hidden message: "Part 3 is for real and birds are too".
The post-credit scene from Zootopia 2
This fits perfectly with the post-credits scene of Part 2, which also contains a similar hint about "Zootopia 3". Spoiler for the post-credit scene: A bird feather can be seen landing on the windowsill of Judy's apartment.
These clear hints now give us hope that the wait between parts 2 and 3 won't be too long. Fans had to wait another nine years for "Zootopia 2". However, the wait was worth it for many fans. Part 2 was largely well received. We were also impressed in our review of "Zootopia 2".
But that's not all: on its opening weekend, the film grossed a whopping 556 million dollars worldwide. This is the fourth best opening in the entire history of cinema! The official confirmation of "Zootopia 3" should now only be a formality.
The Zootopia phenomenon
When Walt Disney Animation Studios released "Zootopia" in 2016, the film's huge success was not necessarily foreseeable. However, the family-friendly film about animals in a big city was very special. Audiences were treated to a surprisingly multi-layered film with humor, suspense, social messages and creative world-building. "Zootopia" became a worldwide success, won the Academy Award for best animated film and is now considered one of the most mature animated films of its era. But what makes it a phenomenon?
A world that is more than just a backdrop
One of its greatest strengths lies in its worldbuilding. The world is credibly constructed and each region is tailored to the needs of different species. There are different districts – from cooled living quarters for arctic animals to miniature districts with tiny skyscrapers and areas with a jungle climate. This division is not only visually impressive, but also narratively relevant: The environment reflects the diversity and, at the same time, the challenges of the world of "Zootopia".
Humor that appeals to several age groups
"Zootopia" is a prime example of humor that has multiple levels There are slapstick and cute moments for younger viewers, clever puns and pop culture references or satirical elements for adults. One of the most famous examples of this is the scene in the vehicle licensing office, which is run exclusively by extremely slow sloths. A gag that humorously pokes fun at the often slow bureaucratic processes of our world.
An unusual buddy dynamic
The partnership between the rabbit Judy Hopps and the fox Nick Wilde has something of a classic buddy cop comedy about it, but is also multifaceted. Judy is idealistic and ambitious, but also naive and prejudiced. Nick is charming and funny, but shaped by bitter experiences and the prejudices of others. Their relationship develops in a believable and complex way: from mutual mistrust to respect and finally a deep friendship. This character development gives the film emotional resonance and makes it accessible to an adult audience.
A successful mix of themes and genres
One of the reasons for the lasting success of "Zootopia" is its socio-political message. Among other things, the film addresses prejudices against certain groups and stereotyping. All of this is told in the form of the conflict between predator and prey. "Zootopia" is also a successful crime adventure. The search for missing citizens leads Judy and Nick through the various and diverse parts of the city. The mixture of humor, mystery and action is well balanced. The plot remains understandable for children, but has enough nuances to captivate adults.
"Zootopia" is so popular because the movie is simultaneously entertaining and meaningful, visually stunning and human, funny and profound. This combination is complemented by lovable characters, genuine suspense and a universal message – and also applies to the sequel.
