The animals of Zootopia are back, and the city’s about to get even wilder. Zootopia 2 charges into theaters on November 26, and fans are already buzzing with excitement. The sequel promises bigger laughs, deeper mysteries, and a tour of neighborhoods we’ve never seen before. Alongside familiar faces, some new characters are set to steal the spotlight. Here’s a countdown of the 10 standouts making this return to Zootopia unmissable.
10. Yax (Tommy Chong)
Would Zootopia even be whole without its resident most zen? Tommy Chong reprises his role as Yax, the laid-back yak who operates the naturist club. Bring on more flower-headed wisdom and wonderfully weird advice as he floats back into the picture.
9. Duke Weaselton (Alan Tudyk)
Alan Tudyk’s clever little thief isn’t finished causing chaos. Duke Weaselton returns to scam, scheme, and, of course, get caught red-handed. Tudyk has a knack for imbuing offbeat characters with personality, so his return promises more laughs—and perhaps a shocking twist.
8. Dawn Bellwether (Jenny Slate)
This seemingly little lamb is still doing time, but I don’t think she’s washed up yet. Jenny Slate returns as the clever ex-assistant mayor, and the sequel suggests that the influence of Bellwether might still cast a shadow on the city. Whatever her scheme, or just serving her time, she’s baa-ck in some form.
7. Chief Bogo (Idris Elba)
Idris Elba returns once more to deliver the gravelly voice of authority for Chief Bogo, who operates the ZPD with iron hooves. This time around, he sends Nick and Judy to a “Partners in Crisis” therapy program after their last adventure. His gruff-but-humorous demeanor will undoubtedly contribute to the film’s acerbic wit.
6. Dr. Fuzzby (Quinta Brunson)
New to the big city is Dr. Fuzzby, the relentlessly cheerful quokka therapist who runs that very counseling program. Played by Quinta Brunson, she’s injecting positivity and comedic timing into some of the film’s most laugh-out-loud lines. A therapy animal in Zootopia? That just feels so on brand.
5. Nibbles Maplestick (Fortune Feimster)
Comedian Fortune Feimster is added to the cast as Nibbles Maplestick, a mischievous beaver who has a talent for trouble. With Feimster’s signature energy, Nibbles will likely be a scene-stealer, always keeping things on their toes.
4. Gazelle (Shakira)
Pop star Shakira comes back as the glittering Gazelle, with a new appearance, a new song called “ZUTU,” and some sassy new dance moves in tow with her tiger followers. Fans have been anticipating another showstopping hit, and the follow-up delivers.
3. Gary De’Snake (Ke Huy Quan)
Gary De’Snake is one of the most fascinating new arrivals. He’s a pit viper whose enigmatic arrival troubles the city. Gary combines charm, weirdness, and peril in a combination that’s certain to make him irrepressible. Voiced by Academy Award winner Ke Huy Quan.
2. Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman)
The cunning fox turned cop returns, with Jason Bateman once more delivering smooth banter and street smarts to Nick Wilde. Now a partner in every sense, Nick is poised for bigger cases—and bigger dangers. As Bateman has described, he wanted Nick and Judy to tackle heavyweight villains, and this appears to be the movie to do it.
1. Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin)
Right at the top is none other than Judy Hopps. Ginnifer Goodwin slides back into the role of Zootopia’s most determined bunny cop in a nutshell, saying it feels second nature. Judy’s optimism and tenacity will be put to the test more than ever before as she and Nick plunge into their toughest mystery yet.
The sequel also teases brand-new landscapes—swamps, deserts, and uncharted districts that expand Zootopia’s already sprawling world. Along with fresh tunes from lemming techno band LEMEEENS, director Jared Bush promises a ride that’s as hilarious as it is heartfelt: “We’re beyond excited to welcome audiences back to this outrageous metropolis and take them into parts of Zootopia we’ve never explored before.” Looks like November can’t come fast enough.