Everything You Need to Know: Disney’s Zootopia 2 – Who Is Gary De’ Snake & Is Zootopia 3 Next?
We were invited to Walt Disney Animation Studios for a special Zootopia 2 media day, where the creative team gave us an early look at the long-awaited sequel. From concept art and set designs to character sketches and even a sneak peek of the new Shakira-inspired track (complete with a live orchestra of the music coming), the day offered fans a lot of reasons to get excited about Nick and Judy’s next big case.
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And if the footage we saw is any indication? This world is bigger, bolder, and bursting with new ideas.
A World Bursting with Life
“Even ten years ago, when we were working on the first film, we didn’t have enough room for all the worlds, ideas, and animals,” director Jared Bush told us. “This film is just bursting with new characters, new locations—around 80 different environments were created for the sequel.”
Among those new additions: Gary De’ Snake, a surprisingly charming pit viper, and Mayor Wind Dancer, a character the animators couldn’t wait to bring to life. The team even teased concepts that didn’t make it in this time around, like an entire nocturnal district and some hilariously designed manatees that they’re hoping to save for a future film.
Nick & Judy Back on the Beat
Fans will be thrilled to know that the heart of the story is still the dynamic between Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps. But this time, expect to see Nick in some hilariously uncomfortable situations that flip the duo’s dynamic on its head.
“The partnership between Judy and Nick is what people love most,” said co-director Byron Howard. “In this film, you’ll see them in new adventures, and Nick’s growth especially leads to some very fun, very awkward moments.”
A Story for a New Generation
The filmmakers also reflected on what the series’ iconic theme—“anyone can be anything”—means in 2025. “It’s a statement of hope,” Bush explained. “It’s about believing in yourself even when obstacles feel overwhelming. Judy embodies that optimism, and now she and Nick get to show what it means to put it into practice as police partners.”
Fresh Faces and Familiar Voices
The voice cast also expands in fun ways. Brenda Song and Macaulay Culkin join the film as bickering siblings—recorded together in the booth, which led to plenty of improvised comedy. “Sometimes it was hard to tell whether they were playing characters or just being themselves,” the filmmakers laughed.
As for Gary De’ Snake, the name itself has become a running gag within the studio. “We knew we had this venomous pit viper, but calling him Gary just felt right,” Bush said. “It makes him instantly approachable—like, how dangerous can Gary really be?”
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Lessons from the Sequel
If the first film was about identity and acceptance, the sequel dives deeper into relationships and how differences can strengthen them. “This is the most ambitious movie Disney Animation has ever attempted,” Howard said, noting the 800-person team behind it. “The biggest lesson has been learning to trust each other’s superpowers and knowing the film would only come together if we all did our part.”
(L-R): Byron Howard (Director), Yvett Merino (Producer), and Jared Bush (Director/Writer/Chief Creative Officer) during one of the early access press days for Zootopia 2 in Los Angeles, CA. 
Artwork displayed during one of the early access press days at the Disney Animation building in Los Angeles, CA. 
Artwork displayed during one of the early access press days at the Disney Animation building in Los Angeles, CA. 
Artwork displayed during one of the early access press days at the Disney Animation building in Los Angeles, CA. 
Artwork displayed during one of the early access press days at the Disney Animation building in Los Angeles, CA. 
Artwork displayed during one of the early access press days at the Disney Animation building in Los Angeles, CA. 
Press join an animal drawing class during one of the early access press days for Zootopia 2 in Los Angeles, CA. 
(On the right): Samantha Vilfort (Story Artist) leads an animal drawing class during one of the early access press days for Zootopia 2 in Los Angeles, CA. 
(Left-center): Carrie Liao (Head of Story), David VanTuyle (Co-Head of Story), and Chad Sellers (Head of Animation) lead an artist roundtable during one of the early access press days for Zootopia 2 in Los Angeles, CA. 
A still from the Evidence Room activity during one of the early access press days for Zootopa 2 in Los Angeles, CA. 
A still from the Evidence Room activity during one of the early access press days for Zootopa 2 in Los Angeles, CA. 
Press join an ADR session during one of the early access press days for Zootopia 2 in Los Angeles, CA. 
(L-R): Byron Howard (Director), Yvett Merino (Producer), and Jared Bush (Director/Writer/Chief Creative Officer) during one of the early access press days for Zootopia 2 in Los Angeles, CA. 
(L-R): Michael Giacchino (Composer) and Tom MacDougall (President, Walt Disney Music) during one of the early access press days for Zootopia 2 in Los Angeles, CA. 
An animal drawing class during one of the early access press days for Zootopia 2 in Los Angeles, CA. 
Samantha Vilfort (Story Artist) leads an animal drawing class during one of the early access press days for Zootopia 2 in Los Angeles, CA. 
(L-R): David VanTuyle (Co-Head of Story), Carrie Liao (Head of Story), and Chad Sellers (Head of Animation) lead an artist roundtable during one of the early access press days for Zootopia 2 in Los Angeles, CA. 
(L-R): Carrie Liao (Head of Story), David VanTuyle (Co-Head of Story), and Chad Sellers (Head of Animation, not pictured) lead an artist roundtable during one of the early access press days for Zootopia 2 in Los Angeles, CA.
Easter Eggs & Inspirations
Fans of buddy cop movies and crime shows will also find plenty of nods tucked into the film. The creative team cited inspirations ranging from Disney classics like Robin Hood to modern buddy comedies, all filtered through the unique lens of Zootopia’s animal world.
Why Fans Should Get Excited
At the end of the day, what excites the filmmakers most is what fans will feel when the lights go down. “I hope audiences can see how much fun we had making this movie,” said Chad Sellers. “Every frame has the fingerprints of hundreds of artists who poured their passion into it.”
If what we saw at media day is just a glimpse, Zootopia 2 looks to be one of Disney’s most ambitious and heartfelt sequels yet—packed with humor, music, and an ever-expanding world of animals that remind us: anyone can be anything.
