‘Zootopia 3’ Will Officially Expand the Franchise in a New Direction
Disney Animation chief creative officer Jared Bush says the developing third “Zootopia” film will introduce birds and may take Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde beyond Zootopia City for the first time. The expansion could open up new parts of the animal world while keeping the detectives at the centre of the story.
Bush said the story will take time to get right, and did not give a release date. He said the idea of introducing birds and reptiles had been discussed with director Byron Howard around 15 years ago. Disney has announced the sequel, but its timing could shift; Bush said films take four to six years to make and the studio’s plans beyond its first five years remain flexible.
In short
- Birds are expected to join the world of Zootopia.
- Judy and Nick will remain central to the third film.
- The sequel’s release timing has not been set.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Introducing birds and taking Judy and Nick beyond the city could give the franchise fresh settings, characters and stories while keeping its familiar leads. Taking time to develop the film may help the new ideas feel coherent and worthwhile rather than rushed.
The case against
A broader world could draw attention away from the city and social dynamics that gave the original its distinctive appeal. Adding new species and settings also raises the risk of crowding the story or making the sequel feel less focused, especially when no release date is set.
Explained simply
Zootopia is Disney’s animated world of animals who live in a society modelled on human cities. The first film follows Judy Hopps, a rabbit who becomes a police officer, and Nick Wilde, a fox who works with her as a detective.
The stories explore how different groups live together and how assumptions about them can shape their lives. The new film is being developed to show parts of the animal world beyond the city, including birds, while keeping Judy and Nick central.