'Zootopia is one of my favourite animations of all time. The sequel got one crucial thing right.'

If you're a fan of Zootopia, like myself, you'll understand the severe anxiety I felt about this sequel — because, let's be honest, sequels are rarely good. 

But somehow, Zootopia 2 pulls it off. It not only avoids the dreaded sequel slump but manages to deliver all the heart and humour of the original while diving even deeper into the messy, magnificent architecture of the world.

So what's the movie about? Our favourite mismatched partners, Judy Hopps — still the optimistic, slightly overzealous bunny — and Nick Wilde — still the wry, too cool, very hot fox — are officially ZPD detectives. But the shine has worn off the badge, you know? They're already hitting a wall.

Their clashing personalities land them in mandatory partner therapy with a quokka named Dr Fuzzby. It's all very domestic until a bust goes wrong, and Judy finds scales — a sign of the one group banished from their mammal metropolis: reptiles.

Watch: The trailer for Zootopia 2. Article continues after video.

This is where the real drama unfolds. The duo is soon hunting Gary De'Snake, a pit viper who has stolen a vital historical journal from the powerful Lynxley family, descendants of Zootopia's founders.

Gary insists he's not a criminal; he's trying to prove that reptiles were not only peaceful residents but were systematically exiled and stereotyped as villains — a history that's been literally paved over.

Judy, ever the idealist, sees a chance to right a historic wrong, while Nick, the seasoned cynic, just wants to avoid getting into more trouble. Suddenly, they're on the run, trying to get to the bottom of what really happened all those years ago.

In terms of the cast, the central duo we know and love — Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde — are back, with Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman reprising their roles. And, of course, the sequel wouldn't feel right without ZPD's familiar faces: Idris Elba returns as Chief Bogo, and Nate Torrence is back as my personal favourite, donut-loving Benjamin Clawhauser. Plus, the iconic pop star Gazelle, voiced by Shakira, graces our screens again with a brand-new banger.

Image: Walt Disney Animation Studios.

But the sequel also introduces a host of crucial new characters with some very famous actors behind them. From Academy Award winner Ke Huy Quan and David Strathairn to Andy Samberg and Quinta Brunson, the cast is massive this time around.

Not to mention, several high-profile cameos, including Brenda Song, Macaulay Culkin, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Ed Sheeran, Josh Gad, and Michael J. Fox. Our very own Robert Irwin also makes a surprise cameo as an adorable koala. It doesn't get better than that. 

It's safe to say there was a lot of anticipation for this movie — 10 long years of anticipation, to be exact. After all, Zootopia has a whopping 98 per cent Rotten Tomatoes score and had grossed over $1 billion at the box office. The animation style is impeccable, the story is tight, and the enemies-to-besties (or maybe lovers? Just kidding, but not really) arc between Judy and Nick is everything. 

It's a perfect movie, in my opinion, and a very tough act to follow. 

Image: Walt Disney Animation Studios.

And yet, the sequel somehow manages to capture the same magic as the first movie without feeling stale. Would I say it's as good as the first one? No. But what sequel is? Well, aside from these eight sequels that actually are better than the original. 

At its core, Zootopia — and the reason why we love it so much — is a story about acceptance and unlearning the biases we were taught. And the second movie continues this beautiful messaging. 

Were there some pacing issues to begin with? Absolutely. Zootopia 2 is a little slow to start. But who cares, because the heart is there. The film takes some of the burning questions we had from the original — like why there are no reptiles in Zootopia — and answers them in a completely new story that explores the same relevant themes. 

The reason Zootopia 2 feels so elevated is that — like its predecessor — it transcends being merely a great animated movie for children and adults. Its true brilliance lies in its meaning: the complex conversations about prejudice, stereotyping, and idealism that it imparts to its audience.

Image: Walt Disney Animation Studios.

The relationship between Nick and Judy also feels so much more real and lived-in this time around, as we watch them navigate the next stage of their partnership. The stakes are higher, and they're learning to do what all healthy relationships require: communication. 

I mean, Nick and Judy work through some pretty serious issues this time around. The inability to express your emotions because of your tumultuous childhood? Check. The pitfalls of toxic positivity and overachieving in an attempt to prove yourself? Check. This is serious stuff, and the movie tackles it in a really genuine way.

All in all, I loved every second of it. Zootopia 2 is everything you want it to be, serving up a satisfying mix of social commentary and utterly adorable, high-stakes detective work between a bunny and fox. 

Feature Image: Walt Disney Animation Studios.