'Zootopia 2' director pulls back curtain on film's most controvercial decision

Jared Bush, the director of Disney’s hit Zootopia, has declared he is not interested in playing it safe as he takes on the high-stakes sequel Zootopia 2.

For the unversed, Walt Disney Animation Studio showed star power at the Annecy Animation Festival this week. Bush, the 51-year-old director, chief creative officer, and screenwriter, gave the most detailed look so far at the upcoming movie Zootopia 2.

After his presentation, he conversed with Variety to talk about the forthcoming sequel, what he wants to do for WDAS, and how important it is to support new creators.

The reporter asked how Disney tells stories about different people and cultures without making it feel like they are just “checking boxes,” as Moana and Encanto, which Bush worked on, are good examples.

Responding to the question, the creative force behind Raya and the Last Dragon said, “I think maybe more than anything, as we’re making the movies, we have to love and enjoy them ourselves. We have to be fans and challenged by what we’re doing.”

He added, “There’s a common misconception that entertainment and bringing people into unfamiliar parts of the world are mutually exclusive, but they’re not. It’s just difficult to marry those things sometimes.”

He was also asked how Disney makes sure these stories are still easy for everyone to understand, including kids and adults around the world.

“We’re always looking to tell stories that are immersive, and the best way to do that is with help. Collaboration is real, it’s not lip service. Spending time with people from different backgrounds and parts of the world is one of the great joys of what we get to do. It’s incredibly interesting and educational,” Bush replied.

It is pertinent to mention that Zootopia 2 is scheduled to hit theatres on November 26, 2025.