The film Zootopia 2, the sequel to Disney's 2016 original hit, has broken all previous records and has officially been proclaimed the highest-grossing animated film in the studio's history, with a global box office exceeding its predecessors' records by far.
Since its world premiere in late November 2025, the sequel has captivated audiences worldwide, grossing over $1.7 billion at the box office and also ranking among the most successful feature films of all time, second only to major Hollywood franchises, according to sources like The Hollywood Reporter.
The film, which revisits the adventures of the rabbit officer Judy Hopps and the cunning fox Nick Wilde as partners in the police force of Zootopia, achieved opening records from its first weekend, with historic premiere figures both in North America and internationally. The phenomenon has also been particularly felt in key markets such as China and International, where the film has achieved some of the highest recent box office revenues for an animated title.
Nick and Judy: A Love That Seems to Blossom in *Zootopia 2*
In the sequel, the romance between Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps is built with patience, subtlety, and coherence, moving away from the clichés of instant love. The film shows how both try to be ideal partners, but constantly clash due to their differences and fears. Judy pushes Nick to open up, while he hides insecurities behind jokes and protective gestures.
Key moments in the development of their relationship:
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Mutual Protection: Nick risks his safety to look after Judy and vice versa, which shows a bond based on trust and care.
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Jealousy and Connection: Small jealousies during the Zootennial Gala show that their feelings go beyond friendship.
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Sacrifice and Loyalty: In dangerous scenes (prison, Judy's poisoning), both prioritize the other's safety above all else, even risking their own lives. And even when there are tensions or distance between them, they continue to think of each other.
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The bridge scene solidifies their relationship: Nick, accustomed to not talking about feelings and keeping the relationship superficial, reveals that Judy is the most important thing to him, and Judy reciprocates, showing a certain crossing of the line from friendship/companionship towards a deep and natural love.
The feelings between Nick and Judy don't arise forcefully, but rather **evolve through shared experiences, challenges, and small everyday gestures of care and trust**. The film manages to make the viewer feel that this bond is inevitable and authentic: they know and accept each other's flaws, choose to grow together, and commit as life partners. This approach makes their relationship **believable, endearing, and lasting**, far beyond a simple romance story in animation.
The success of Zootopia 2 not only reflects the franchise's continued appeal but also the power of animated stories to connect with audiences of all ages around the world.