"Our Differences Make the World More Beautiful"... 'Zootopia 2' Returns After 9 Years

[Financial News] "Our differences make the world more beautiful."
These are the words of Ke Huy Quan, who newly joined as a voice actor in the animation 'Zootopia 2.' This may well be the core message the film aims to deliver. 'Zootopia 2' returns as a sequel after nine years. In this film, rabbit police officer Judy Hopps and the sly fox Nick Wilde team up once again to chase the mysterious snake Gary De'Snake, shaking up the city in a thrilling new adventure.
Ahead of the domestic release on the 26th, a virtual press conference was held on the 18th (Korean time) with Ginnifer Goodwin (voice of Judy Hopps), Ke Huy Quan, director Jared Bush, and producer Yvett Merino in attendance. They shared behind-the-scenes stories, as well as the expanded universe and the film's diverse appeal.

Ke Huy Quan, who revealed himself as a passionate 'Zootopia' fan, recalled, "When I heard I would be voicing a venomous viper, I thought it was a mistake because my voice isn't intimidating." He added, "When I learned that I would be the first reptile to appear in the world of 'Zootopia' in a hundred years, I was thrilled and eager to join."
He further explained, "I hope audiences will see beyond the stereotype of a threatening snake and recognize the playful and warm-hearted nature of the character."
Director Jared Bush introduced Gary De'Snake as the first snake character created with CG in a Disney animation, noting, "Gary is not just a scene-stealer, but serves as an emotional anchor who genuinely listens to others and highlights the importance of understanding differences."
Returning as Judy Hopps, Ginnifer Goodwin likened the film's message to "the process of different-shaped pieces coming together to complete a beautiful puzzle." Ke Huy Quan added, "We are all different, and it is our differences that make us beautiful. By embracing those differences, we can create a better world."

What direction does the sequel take? Director Jared Bush responded, "The partnership between Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde remains at the heart of the story." The key, he explained, is that the two characters explore spaces not seen in the previous film and face new challenges.




He specifically mentioned the 'Wetlands Market,' a stage for semi-aquatic animals that exist between water and land, explaining, "It was a new challenge for us to depict the ecological characteristics of animals moving between water and land, the environment with conveyor belts and boats, and the movements of large marine animals like sea lions." He added, "Our top priority was to maintain the chemistry between Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, as well as the charm of various characters blending into the vast city."
Producer Yvett Merino shared, "We repeatedly held internal screenings to check for any inconsistencies with the previous film or scenes that might be hard to understand, and all staff members provided thorough feedback." About 700 people from Walt Disney Animation Studios collaborated on this project.

Ginnifer Goodwin cited the "solid script" as the secret to the chemistry between Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. She mentioned that she did not get to hear Jason Bateman's performance as Nick Wilde during the recording process, but added, "Even so, the chemistry between the characters came together naturally thanks to the efforts of countless staff—a magical result."
Director Jared Bush shared his moving experience during the OST production, saying, "Music director Michael Giacchino would improvise and adjust the music on the spot while watching the footage. He is the best in the business. When the production team first heard Gary De'Snake's theme, some were moved to tears." Giacchino is a renowned composer and director who won an Academy Award for the animation 'Up.'
Bush also introduced the OST 'Zoo,' a collaboration between Ed Sheeran and Shakira, noting that it was inspired by Shakira's 'Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).' He said, "We wanted to create a song that everyone could sing along to, like a festival, and that would reflect the expansion of the universe."
[email protected] Shin Jin-a Reporter