How the Oscar-Nominated 'Zootopia 2' Became the Biggest Movie of 2025 The world’s fascination with Zootopia reached new heights in 2025 with the release of Zootopia 2, which shattered box office records during its debut weekend. Directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, and produced by Yvett Merino, the film stars Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, and Ke Huy Quan. It became the highest-grossing animated film in history, topping both domestic and international charts, and is now nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 98th Academy Awards. Byron Howard, one of the film’s directors, expressed pride in the recognition, calling it “a great honor” to be part of the conversation. He highlighted the joy of collaborating with fellow filmmakers and celebrating diverse storytelling. Merino, the producer, shared her excitement about connecting with audiences, noting how many fans reached out to share their love for the movie. She described receiving messages like, “I just saw the movie! I loved it. It was so funny. It meant so much to me,” which she called “amazing.” In a Q&A, Howard and Merino discussed the film’s journey. Howard reflected on the Oscar nomination, calling it “a big, glittery wrap-up” for the Zootopia 2 experience. He praised his collaborators, emphasizing the joy of working with Merino and Bush. Merino explained how the film’s world, a blend of human and animal elements, creates a sense of openness for viewers. She noted the communal impact of watching the movie in theaters, where audiences of all ages share laughter and create lasting memories. Merino highlighted the film’s intricate details, such as the bite marks in the Marsh Market, which reflect the team’s dedication to crafting a lived-in environment.#zootopia_2 #ginnifer_goodwin #byron_howard #yvett_merino #jared_bush
