The world of Zootopia is getting bigger again. After Zootopia 2 introduced reptiles to the animal metropolis, Disney Animation is already looking toward the next expansion. At D23, Jared Bush confirmed that the feather seen during the Zootopia 2 post-credits scene was no accident.
Birds will play a major role in Zootopia 3.
Bush told the D23 that bringing birds into Zootopia is something the filmmakers have wanted to explore for years. An extended sequence shown during the presentation offered another tease, but exactly what the arrival of birds means for Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde and the city remains part of the surprise.
Zootopia Keeps Getting Bigger
The original Zootopia built its world around mammals and the relationship between predators and prey. Zootopia 2 expanded that idea by introducing reptiles, including Gary De’Snake. Birds now give the filmmakers another completely different group to explore.
Disney Animation President Clark Spencer said there are still plenty of districts and stories left in Zootopia.
Adding new species allows the filmmakers to make the city bigger while keeping something familiar at its center: Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps.
Spencer made it clear that Jason Bateman and Ginnifer Goodwin remain essential to the franchise. Their characters provide the comedy, emotion and conflict that drive these stories.
What About Nick and Judy?
Director Byron Howard also acknowledged one of the biggest debates among Zootopia fans. Should Nick and Judy eventually become a couple, or should they remain best friends?
Disney isn’t answering that question yet. Howard said the filmmakers enjoy the fact that audiences are invested enough in the characters to debate it. Expect that relationship to continue developing as the world around them expands.
Ke Huy Quan is also hoping Gary De’Snake has a role in the next adventure. He joked that birds might initially be afraid of a pit viper, but Gary’s personality could quickly change their minds.
That sounds like classic Zootopia: introduce two groups that appear destined to be enemies, then challenge those assumptions.
What’s Next for Zootopia 3?
Disney has not announced a release date for Zootopia 3, and plenty remains unknown. We don’t know which bird species will join the story, what new districts might appear, or what mystery will bring Nick and Judy back together.
But that little feather on Judy’s windowsill now has a much bigger meaning.
Birds are coming to Zootopia — and Disney Animation is preparing to make the animal metropolis bigger than ever.
