Zootopia 3 drops new plot tidbits — and an Oscar winner’s back
At D23 Expo, Disney lifted the lid on Zootopia 3 — fresh plot teases, and word an Oscar winner returns — but not which one.
Here we go again — Zootopia 3 is officially happening, and Disney wheeled out the big guns at their latest D23 Expo just to make the point. Honestly, after the juggernaut numbers from the last one, who can blame them?
Zootopia 3 officially announced during D23 Expo on 15 August 2026.
Cast Returns and Teases
The announcement itself was handled by none other than Ke Huy Quan, fresh off his Oscar win, and Ginnifer Goodwin, who fans will remember as Judy Hopps. Both are confirmed to be back — Quan as Gary De'Snake (it still sounds made up, but that's the actual character), and Goodwin as everyone's favourite rabbit cop. As for other returning stars, Disney's keeping things close to the chest. Jason Bateman was an obvious standout as Nick Wilde in the first two, and you'd assume there's no Zootopia without the fox, but so far, they've said nothing either way.
We didn't get an actual release date to circle in the calendar, but Disney did pull back the curtain on a shiny new logo. Official word — and you're not mishearing this — is that the world of Zootopia is 'about to go to the birds.' So, expect a new avian twist next time out for the city of anthropomorphic mammals. If you're looking for specifics beyond that nice bit of branding, you'll have to keep waiting.
Zootopia's Impressive Stats
Anyone surprised by Disney cashing in for a third go clearly missed just how monstrous Zootopia 2's success was. Globally, that sequel hauled in a frankly ridiculous $1.85 billion, landing it at number nine on the all-time box office rankings. If you're talking animated films exclusively, only China's Ne Zha 2 sits higher, which pretty much says it all about Zootopia's staying power.
$1.85 billion global haul makes Zootopia 2 the second-highest-grossing animated film ever, just behind Ne Zha 2.
Awards season was kind as well. Zootopia 2 made the rounds with nominations for Best Animated Picture at almost every ceremony that counts, including the 98th Academy Awards. It even nabbed the win at the 79th BAFTAs for animated film, so expectations are already sky-high for round three.
When Disney says a franchise is 'going to the birds,' at least this time, it's not a bad thing.