See how 'Zootopia 2' was brought to life: Visit Walt Disney Animation Studios and hear from the all-star cast

LOS ANGELES — The much-anticipated “Zootopia 2” has finally hit theaters, and On The Red Carpet is marking the occasion with a special feature that delves into the creation of this new Disney movie. Join us as we explore insights from the animators and attend the star-studded world premiere with the film’s celebrated cast.

The sequel brings back the beloved characters from the Oscar-winning original, with Ginnifer Goodwin reprising her role as the tenacious bunny police officer Judy Hopps, alongside Jason Bateman, who returns as her cunning yet charming fox partner, Nick Wilde.

Ginnifer Goodwin shared her enthusiasm with On The Red Carpet, expressing her lifelong love for Disney. “I’m a Disney nut, first of all,” she admitted. “I used to visit the Disney offices, hoping for any role they could offer. I’ve been lucky to play a fairy and a princess, but Judy is definitely my favorite.”

MORE: Jason Bateman, Ginnifer Goodwin return to the animated adventure with ‘Zootopia 2’

In this new installment, Judy and Nick embark on an exhilarating quest to track down a mysterious pit viper named Gary De’Snake. Their mission soon unravels a dangerous conspiracy that threatens not only their partnership but also their lives. However, according to Bateman, fans have nothing to fear.

“Rest assured, all the anxiety will be alleviated at some point in this wonderful Disney film,” Bateman assured. “There’s no cliffhanger or tragic ending in store. Disney will take good care of you.”

On The Red Carpet’s “Zootopia 2” special also includes interviews with the film’s co-stars, including Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan who voices Gary De’Snake, Fortune Feimster who voices an oddball beaver with a podcast named Nibbles Maplestick, and Shakira who voices Zootopia’s biggest pop star, Gazelle. Shakira attended the movie’s premiere with her two sons.

“It’s the most exciting thing for me to have them accompany me to this,” she said. “For ‘Zootopia,’ they were just babies. And now in ‘Zootopia 2,’ they were a part of the whole process. We recorded our lines together, actually, because they have a small part in the movie as Judy Hopps’ little brothers.”

On The Red Carpet also toured the Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California where the film was brought to life and saw how the animators created the world of “Zootopia 2,” including studying live animals.

MORE: ‘Zootopia 2’ continues the first movie’s mature themes and ideals, with characters familiar and new

“It starts with a pencil and paper and an idea,” said Chad Sellers, one of the heads of animation on the movie. “The artists just want to put the best product out there, the best movie with the best characters.”

“The animators always bring so much of themselves to the project,” said Kira Lehtomaki, the other head of animation “When we watch these movies, it’s like a scrap book of watching all of our coworkers up on the screen because their personalities shine through. Even though it’s appropriate for the moment and the characters, it’s like there is a uniqueness that’s brought to every single frame.”

This special On The Red Carpet episode also includes a look back at the world premiere of the original “Zootopia,” a look at the new “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” experience at Walt Disney World, and a special surprise for On The Red Carpet’s George Pennacchio when he was invited to voice a character in the new film!

Watch the full episode, “On The Red Carpet Presents: Zootopia 2,” in the video player above.

Disney is the parent company of this station.

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