LOS ANGELES — Disney’s highly anticipated “Zootopia 2” is making waves at the box office, projected to rake in nearly $150 million over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

This sequel to the Oscar-winning animated film transports audiences back to the bustling mammal metropolis, seamlessly picking up where the first film left off.

The movie introduces a host of new characters, brought to life by a star-studded cast of 71 celebrity voices.

Nibbles Maplestick

Among the newcomers is comedian Fortune Feimster, who lends her voice to an enthusiastic beaver podcaster. Her character joins forces with Judy Hopps, voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin, and Jason Bateman’s Nick Wilde on a new investigative adventure.

Reflecting on her involvement in the film, Feimster shared, “Watching the movie, I got emotional thinking about my 10-year-old self in small-town Belmont, North Carolina. Growing up with Disney movies, I never imagined being part of one. It’s truly a special experience.”

Gary De’Snake

Additionally, the cast welcomes Oscar-winning actor Ke Huy Quan, who plays the role of Gary De’Snake, a misunderstood pit viper.

“I grew up on Disney animated films,” he said. “It’s made a huge impact on my childhood, so to get to be a Disney character and have your own merchandise and also be a part of this huge family where you’re going to have a positive influence on the next generation. That is something every actor hopes to be a part of.”

Hundreds of people – about 700 to be exact – helped bring the movie to life, from storyboard artists to animators.

“All of us love working together, but we each have these strong suits and we rely on one another, and that’s something that I think is very special to this trio,” said Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios Jared Bush. “I think we really trust one another, and we like to have fun, and I think you see that in the movie.”

“Zootopia 2” is in theaters now.

Disney is the parent company of this ABC station.