Premiere - Zootopia 2: A highly anticipated evening, but a lukewarm reception at the Grand Rex

By Mulder, Paris, Cinema Le Grand Rex, 22 november 2025

The Paris premiere of Zootopia 2 at the Grand Rex on November 22, 2025, had all the makings of a highly anticipated event... on paper. In front of the illuminated facade of the legendary Parisian cinema, the crowd gathered, motivated as much by curiosity as by their enduring love for the first film. On the red carpet, the presence of the French voice actors—notably Baptiste Lecaplain, Mister V, and several members of the cast—brought a little energy to an evening that, from the very first minutes, left a strange feeling in the air: that of a somewhat stripped-down event, marked by significant absences. Neither Jared Bush, Byron Howard, nor even Shakira, the iconic figure of the franchise and creator of the new song “Zoo,” were present. Their absence was noticed and commented on, giving the French premiere a duller atmosphere than expected, as if the international spirit of the project had stopped at the border.

The film, produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and once again starring Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba, Ke Huy Quan, Fortune Feimster, Andy Samberg, David Strathairn, Patrick Warburton, and Quinta Brunson, continues the story of Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. However, despite a plot that promised a mix of investigation, comedy, and emotional tension, the reception in the theater was less enthusiastic than hoped for. The story, centered on the arrival of Gary De'Snake—a mysterious viper voiced by Ke Huy Quan—plunges Judy and Nick into an undercover mission meant to test their partnership after therapy imposed by Chief Bogo. But several audience members noted a certain lack of narrative momentum, humor that was less impactful than in the first film, and an impression that the sequel relied more on the legacy of the initial success than on a real willingness to take risks.

What makes the situation more intriguing is the film's long production process. Since 2016, when Byron Howard and Rich Moore opened the door to a possible sequel, fans have been fueling hopes and theories. When Bob Iger officially announced that production would begin in 2023, excitement reached a fever pitch. Jared Bush, who is both writing and directing, has been leading the project for several years, later joined by Byron Howard as co-director. Through festivals and announcements—D23, Annecy, CinemaCon—the cast grew to include prestigious names such as Jean Reno, Maurice LaMarche, Macaulay Culkin, Brenda Song, Wilmer Valderrama, Danny Trejo, and later Andy Samberg and David Strathairn. Expectations gradually built, and the absence of these figures at the Paris premiere inevitably disappointed an audience accustomed to seeing creators defend their work.

The music, provided by the indispensable Michael Giacchino, regained its central place in the franchise's identity, but even the sonic presence of this highly regarded composer was not enough to mask the lack of direct involvement from the major talents that evening. The absence of Shakira, who not only reunited with her Gazelle but also signed Zoo with Ed Sheeran and Blake Slatkin, left a void that was particularly felt by the French audience, always fond of performances and special moments at such events. In the lobby, several guests were still wondering if a video message could have at least compensated for this last-minute defection.

The event was also marked by surprisingly minimalist communication, a far cry from the more generous and inventive campaigns that Disney is capable of orchestrating around its major releases. When comparing this Parisian evening to the November 13 premiere at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles—supported by promotional stunts such as remote-controlled cars equipped with animatronics of Judy, Nick, Finnick, Gary, and Flash—the difference is striking. Paris, despite being a major cultural capital, was treated to a relatively conventional event, lacking in originality or soul, which reinforced the feeling that the premiere was somewhat rushed.

Upon leaving the Grand Rex, opinions were divided, but everyone agreed on one thing: Zootopia 2 was eagerly awaited, and that enthusiasm was not fully satisfied during the Parisian premiere. The film, which has its moments thanks to the dynamic duo of Judy and Nick and the introduction of reptiles into the mythology of Zootopia, nevertheless suffers from a clear lack of freshness compared to the first installment. The event itself suffered from the absence of the film's key creators, turning what should have been a celebration into a sort of enhanced press screening, but without any real sparkle.

Even if Zootopia 2 is still set for an excellent start at the US and international box office, and even if French audiences will probably continue to follow the adventures of Judy and Nick out of attachment to the first film, this Paris premiere will remain a missed opportunity. An evening that could have celebrated the return of a beloved franchise with great fanfare, but which ultimately settled for the bare minimum, leaving behind a bittersweet taste and a simple observation: Disney magic only works fully when it is carried by those who create it. Paris was waiting for this moment. It was not given to them.

Synopsis:
Zootopia 2 reunites the endearing duo of young police officers Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde who, after solving the biggest criminal case in Zootopia's history, discover that their partnership is not as solid as they thought when Chief Bogo orders them to participate in a therapeutic program for teammates in crisis. Their partnership will be put to the test when they must go undercover to investigate a new mystery in unfamiliar parts of the city and follow the winding trail of a venomous snake that has just arrived in the animal city...

Zootopia 2
Directed by Jared Bush, Byron Howard
Written by Jared Bush
Produced by Yvett Merino
Starring Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Ke Huy Quan, Fortune Feimster, Andy Samberg, David Strathairn, Idris Elba, Shakira, Patrick Warburton, Quinta Brunson
Music by Michael Giacchino
Production company: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Release dates: November 13, 2025 (El Capitan Theatre), November 26, 2025 (United States)
Running time: 108 minutes

Photos: CB Images / Walt Disney

The Walt Disney Company France now seems to have decided that the independent French online press is like vegetables in Zootopia: you can easily do without them.