Disney Animation has officially confirmed that Zootopia 3 is now in development. The announcement came during the studio’s D23 fan event in Anaheim, California, on August 14, 2026. The news follows the massive success of Zootopia 2, which became the biggest Hollywood animated film ever with $1.87 billion at the worldwide box office.
Ginnifer Goodwin and Ke Huy Quan joined Disney Animation chief creative officer Jared Bush on stage to share the news with fans. Goodwin, who voices rabbit police officer Judy Hopps, and Quan, who voices pit viper Gary De’Snake, confirmed their characters will return for the third movie.
What We Know About Zootopia 3 So Far
Disney has not yet announced a release date for Zootopia 3. The studio confirmed that details about theatrical timing will come later, meaning the project remains in early development. Some reports suggest the film may not arrive until 2030.
The movie will expand the animal world of the franchise. Following a feather teaser in the post-credits scene of Zootopia 2, the third film will introduce birds into the animal metropolis for the first time. Disney Animation shared a poster with the caption: “The world of Zootopia is about to go to the birds”.
“The bunny and the snake will be back!” Ginnifer Goodwin declared at the D23 event.
The studio screened an exclusive custom sequence for D23 attendees, giving fans an early look at what the next chapter could bring. However, Disney has kept story details closely guarded.
Zootopia 2’s Record-Breaking Success
The Zootopia franchise has grown into one of Disney Animation’s most valuable properties. The original film arrived in 2016 and followed Judy Hopps as she became the first rabbit police officer in the city of Zootopia. Her partnership with fox Nick Wilde, voiced by Jason Bateman, became central to the franchise. The first film crossed $1 billion globally.
Zootopia 2, released in 2025, expanded the world by introducing reptiles, including Gary De’Snake. The sequel made box office history on its opening weekend, becoming the fourth-biggest global opening ever and the largest global launch for an animated film. It was also nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards.
The sequel attracted 32 million views globally during its first seven days on Disney+, making it the platform’s No. 1 film during its premiere week. The combined Zootopia, Zootopia+, and Zootopia 2 library accumulated more than 885 million hours of viewing worldwide.
Returning Cast and New Characters
Ginnifer Goodwin will return as Judy Hopps. Ke Huy Quan will reprise his role as Gary De’Snake. The studio has not yet confirmed whether Jason Bateman will return as Nick Wilde.
Zootopia 2 introduced several new characters, including Fortune Feimster as podcasting beaver Nibbles Maplestick, Andy Samberg as Pawbert Lynxley, David Strathairn as Milton Lynxley, Macaulay Culkin as Cattrick Lynxley, Brenda Song as Kitt Lynxley, Quinta Brunson as Dr Fuzzby, Robert Irwin as Robert Furwin, and Patrick Warburton as Brian Winddancer.
The third film will introduce birds into the story. This move pays off a clue hidden in Zootopia 2‘s post-credits scene.
What the Creators Have Said
Even before Zootopia 2 broke records, the team was already thinking about continuing the franchise. Goodwin told The Hollywood Reporter at the November 2025 premiere: “I’m putting everything out there trying to manifest a number three, after a much shorter break”.
Directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard also expressed interest in doing more with the franchise. Bush said: “If it goes well, we would spend the rest of our careers in the world of Zootopia. It’s the most fun place in the world and there’s so much left to explore”. He noted that audiences have only seen “one city on one continent on one planet,” leaving plenty of room for more stories.
D23 Event Highlights
The announcement was part of Disney’s Entertainment Showcase at the Honda Center in Anaheim. The event runs from August 14 through August 16, 2026.
Other major announcements at D23 included Frozen 3 (arriving November 24, 2027), Hexed (starring Hailee Steinfeld, Jodie Foster, and Walton Goggins), The Bluey Movie (August 6, 2027), and Clay (starring Kieran Culkin, coming November 2028).
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What This Means for the Franchise
Zootopia 3 arrives with high expectations following the success of its predecessors. The franchise has proven its staying power at both the box office and on streaming platforms. The third film will introduce birds, expanding the animal world beyond mammals and reptiles.
For now, Disney has confirmed only that Zootopia 3 is in early development. With no release date yet announced, more details are expected as production moves forward.
Also Read: Jason Bateman Compares Voice Acting to Performing Blindfolded as Zootopia 2 Premieres
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