Ginnifer Goodwin Addresses Judy and Nick’s Future in Zootopia 2

With the remarkable reception of Zootopia 2, Ginnifer Goodwin has at last commented on the much-discussed topic of Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde’s relationship. The sequel has only intensified speculation about the nature of their bond, prompting Variety to ask whether the 2025 instalment is, in fact, a covert romance. Goodwin, rather than sidestepping the question, offered a candid perspective on the ongoing debate.

Goodwin on Love, Laughter, and Inter-Species Bonds

Goodwin explained that Disney’s stories are known for celebrating a variety of forms of affection, not just the romantic kind. She emphasised that viewers are welcome to interpret Judy and Nick’s connection in whichever way resonates with them. In her words:

What I love most about Disney is that all different types of love are celebrated. Just like how “Frozen” is a celebration of sibling love, whatever people glean from “Zootopia” is valid. We made this film for the public, so do with it what you will.

She also shared a light-hearted anecdote involving her co-star Jason Bateman. The pair have joked about what sort of creature might result if a fox and a rabbit had offspring, with Bateman quipping that such a hybrid would be a “Funny.” This playful exchange highlights Goodwin’s willingness to embrace the film’s inter-species dynamic.

Looking Ahead: New Worlds and Species

Turning to the future, Goodwin spoke about her hopes for the next chapter in the franchise. She expressed excitement at the prospect of exploring unfamiliar territories and introducing new animal species. Reflecting on the creative process, she admitted that she hadn’t considered semi-aquatic animals or birds during the making of the original film, but now sees endless opportunities as the universe expands.

Goodwin noted that the post-credits scene in Zootopia 2, which features a feather, hints at the direction the story might take. She said:

There are other worlds that I would love to see explored, because it didn’t even occur to me when we were making the first one, like, “What about the semi-aquatic animals?” If you stayed for the post-credit scene of Zootopia 2, we introduced another world with a new type of animal. I wouldn’t even pretend to be able to predict what it is that they’ll do with Zootopia 3.

While she refrained from making any predictions, Goodwin expressed full confidence in the creative team’s ability to surprise audiences with fresh ideas and directions.

Creators Shed Light on the Feather Tease

The directors and producers of Zootopia 2 have also addressed the intrigue surrounding the feather in the post-credits sequence. The scene, which shows a large feather drifting down beside Judy’s carrot pen, has sparked much speculation about the introduction of new animal groups.

Director Jared Bush explained that the feather is intended to ignite curiosity, suggesting that the world of Zootopia is far broader than what has been shown so far. He remarked:

Well, I think that there are limitless numbers of stories to tell in the world of Zootopia. I think that this is something that hopefully, when audiences see it, will get them excited about what that could be, what that actually means, and what mystery may lie ahead.

Producer Yvett Merino added:

Exactly. Zootopia was always created as an area on a continent in a world. So, if you think of it that way, you never know what’s going to happen.

So far, the films have yet to delve into the lives of birds, insects, fish, or domestic pets. The feather may well be a sign that future instalments will venture into new environments, introducing audiences to a wider array of creatures and stories.

Key Details and What’s Next

Zootopia 2 is directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, with a cast including Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Shakira, Idris Elba, Alan Tudyk, Nate Torrence, Don Lake, Bonnie Hunt, and Jenny Slate. The film currently holds a 7.7/10 rating on IMDb and a 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes.

The sequel is now showing in cinemas worldwide, while the original Zootopia is available to stream on Disney+.