Insights from the Directors and Producer of ‘Zootopia 2’ on Making a Sequel to an Oscar-Winning Film
If there was one animated film that surprised no one with its nomination this morning, it was Disney’s Zootopia 2. The sequel to the 2016 Oscar winner has now become the biggest animated film of all time in the United States and has captured a significant global audience.
“One of the exciting things as we’ve been taking this movie around the world is that different aspects of it really light up for different people,” said director Jared Bush. “It does change depending on where you are in the world, specifically in China where this movie is really exceeding all of our expectations.”
Byron Howard, another director on the project, remarked on the sequel’s impact. “To see Zootopia 2 land with the audience across the board and then to just hear this feeling of joy and reassurance… and how many people have actually taken the trouble to get out into the theaters and sit in those seats has been really heartening for us,” he said.
Producer Yvette Merino expressed her gratitude for the film’s recognition, stating, “It’s such an honor to be included with all of the great films this year. To be in that conversation is truly amazing.”
Regarding the possibility of a third film, Bush noted, “According to the internet, there sure is.” He highlighted the extensive time it took to develop a story for the sequel and the dedication required to create another Oscar contender, Encanto. “The world of Zootopia is one where we really get to hold up a mirror to human nature,” Bush explained. “The good, and bad, thing is there’s so much for us to continue to learn and understand about each other.”
