What the Actors Look Like in Real Life

Zootopia 2 boasts so many famous voices, you’d think it was trying to set a new world record. The original film, released in 2016 and directed by Byron Howard and Rich Moore (with co-director Jared Bush), centers around rookie bunny cop Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and foxy con artist Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) as they team up to uncover a dark conspiracy threatening their peaceful metropolis. Zootopia‘s awe-inspiring animation and exploration of surprising yet relevant themes earned it the Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film. Now, nine years later, Zootopia 2 is expected to have one of the biggest opening weekends of 2025.

This time around, Judy and Nick are investigating a new mystery involving the sudden appearance of –– wait for it –– a snake in Zootopia. This promptly disrupts the status quo, given that snakes haven’t been seen in Zootopia for over 100 years, and leads Judy and Nick on an action-packed adventure that puts their partnership to the ultimate test. Blending returning characters with new ones, Zootopia 2 –– called Zootropolis 2 in some territories due to trademark conflicts –– massively expands upon the original’s already stacked cast, adding everyone from Oscar winners to Hollywood’s highest-paid actor.

Here’s what the actors who voice these memorable characters look like in real life and where you’ve seen them before.

Ginnifer Goodwin as Judy Hopps

Returning as Judy Hopps, Ginnifer Goodwin is no stranger to Disney. She starred as Mary Margaret Blanchard / Snow White in the fantasy adventure series Once Upon a Time and lent her voice to Fawn in Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast. Rom-com lovers will also recognize her from her starring roles as Rachel in Something Borrowed and Gigi in He’s Just Not That Into You. In Zootopia 2, Judy navigates fresh growing pains with her unlikely partner Nick as they attempt to work together to solve their new case. Unfortunately for Judy, cracking said case involves becoming a fugitive –– a reality that could greatly damage her reputation and standing in the Zootopia Police Department.

Jason Bateman as Nick Wilde

Jason Bateman has quickly become a streaming staple, having starred in all four seasons of Netflix’s Ozark (for which he won a 2019 Emmy for Outstanding Directing and three SAG Awards for acting) and, most recently, in the crime thriller miniseries Black Rabbit opposite Jude Law. Bateman is perhaps best known for his Golden Globe-winning performance in Arrested Development as well as films like Juno, Horrible Bosses, and This is Where I Leave You. His reformed con artist Nick Wilde returns in Zootopia 2 to help Judy uncover the mystery surrounding Gary De’Snake’s sudden appearance, a task that pushes both Nick and Judy to navigate their differing approaches as police officers.

Ke Huy Quan as Gary De’Snake

Joining Zootopia 2 in the brand-new role of Gary De’Snake is Oscar-winning Ke Huy Quan, who viewers will not only recognize from The Goonies and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, but also from his recent appearances in Loki and Everything Everywhere All at Once. The latter won him the 2023 Academy Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role, reinvigorating Huy Quan’s career, and Zootopia 2 finds him as the snake at the center of the sequel’s drama. Gary may be venomous, but he’s also sweet and misunderstood. With any luck, he’ll be able to help Judy and Nick solve the decades-old mystery that will restore his family’s good name and teach the rest of Zootopia that reptiles and mammals can peacefully coexist.

Fortune Feimster as Nibbles Maplestick

It’s about time audiences got to meet a semi-aquatic mammal with a podcast, don’t you think? Fortunately, comedian Fortune Feimster has joined the cast of Zootopia 2 to make Disney dreams come true. Nibbles Maplestick is a friendly but oddball beaver who lives in Marsh Market, a neighborhood cut off from the rest of Zootopian society and may be home to a secret reptilian population. As such, Nibbles is Nick and Judy’s only hope of finding the snake they’re looking for. Feimster is the perfect choice for the quirky Nibbles, having previously starred in multiple stand-up specials as well as comedies like The Mindy Project, Office Christmas Party, and Netflix’s comedy spy series FUBAR.

Idris Elba as Chief Bogo

Returning as Chief Bogo is Idris Elba, whose distinct voice has already helped him immortalize such characters as Shere Khan in 2016’s The Jungle Book and Knuckles in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and 3. Superhero fans will recognize him as Heimdall from the Thor series and Bloodsport in The Suicide Squad, while drama junkies will remember his work in Luther, Beast, and, unfortunately, Cats. Chief Bogo is a cape buffalo and the Chief of the Zootopia Police Department. In the first film, he doubts that Judy has what it takes to be the first bunny cop, and in Zootopia 2, he warns her and Nick that if they fail their make-or-break mission, he will split them up.

David Strathairn as Milton Lynxley

David Strathairn is the Oscar-nominated actor behind Good Night, and Good Luck who most viewers will recognize from such films as A League of Their Own, The Bourne Ultimatum, Lincoln, Godzilla, and, more recently, Where the Crawdads Sing. His storied career makes him the perfect choice for Milton Lynxley, the patriarch of the prominent Lynxley family that may or may not be at the center of the mystery Judy and Nick are trying to solve. In Zootopia 2’s final trailer, audiences were treated to a sneak peek of what promises to be a deliciously dastardly performance from Strathairn.

Andy Samberg as Pawbert Lynxley

Pawbert is the youngest lynx in the Lynxley clan, and given that Andy Samberg voices him, viewers already have an idea of what to expect from this runt. Samberg has been a staple of television comedy ever since his days on Saturday Night Live, later bringing Detective Jake Peralta to life for eight seasons on Brooklyn Nine-Nine and lending his voice to four Hotel Transylvania films (unlike Adam Sandler). He’s comedy’s reliable goofball, but he’s also been described as one of Zootopia 2‘s antagonists, so viewers might want to expect the unexpected.

Macaulay Culkin as Cattrick Lynxley

This man needs no introduction, but just in case you’ve been living under a rock since the early ’90s, Macaulay Culkin became a child star after bringing down the house in two of the best Christmas movies ever made, Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Though he’s largely been out of the spotlight since his days as Kevin McCallister, he lends his voice to Zootopia 2 as Cattrick, the shady eldest son in the Lynxley family.

Brenda Song as Kitty Lynxley

Disney Channel diehards will immediately recognize Brenda Song as London Tipton from The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, but they may not know that in 2022, she became engaged to Macaulay Culkin. After recently appearing together on Netflix’s Running Point (Song as a series regular and Culkin in a cameo), they have reunited in Zootopia 2 as siblings. According to Disney, Kitty is the “sharp-tongued” daughter of the Lynxley clan, and her claws are looking pretty sharp, too.

Shakira as Gazelle

It wouldn’t be a Zootopia sequel without Shakira returning as the animal kingdom’s biggest pop star. Back in the role of Gazelle, Shakira lends her powerful vocals to the new song “Zoo,” featured in multiple Zootopia 2 trailers. If her “Try Everything” from the first movie (the official video of which boasts a modest 780 million views) is any indication of what could happen with “Zoo,” then parents might want to mentally prepare to hear it nonstop. When she’s not busy voicing musical antelopes, Shakira can be found winning Grammys (four to date), producing global pop hits in both English and Spanish, and carrying on her legacy as the “Queen of Latin Music.” And speaking of chart-topping musicians…

Ed Sheeran as Ed Shearin

Yes, Ed Sheeran will appear in Zootopia 2 as a sheep named Ed Shearin. It’s the stuff of dreams, but even more impressive is the fact that he co-wrote “Zoo” with Shakira and Blake Slatkin. Though Sheeran is best known for writing and singing Grammy-winning songs like “Thinking Out Loud” and “Shape of You,” he has also appeared in films such as Bridget Jones’s Baby, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, and Red Notice.

Patrick Warburton as Mayor Brian Winddancer

Patrick Warburton has one of the most iconic voices in all of animation, so it only makes sense that he’s playing a stallion with fabulous blonde locks in Zootopia 2. With over 324 acting credits to his name, Warburton is best known for portraying lovable idiots, like Kronk in the more-relevant-than-ever Emperor’s New Groove, and men fluent in the art of the deadpan delivery, like Jeff Bingham in Rules of Engagement. Zootopia 2 finds his character Brian Winddancer becoming the new Mayor of Zootopia following a successful acting career. Disney describes him as being “charismatic but clueless,” which doesn’t bode well given the Lynxley family’s power, influence, and threatening behavior towards him in the final trailer.

Quinta Brunson as Dr. Fuzzby

Prepare for actual side-splitting laughter when you meet Quinta Brunson in the role of Dr. Fuzzby. Zootopia 2’s official trailer introduces Dr. Fuzzby as Judy and Nick’s therapy animal, who leads a group called “Partners in Crisis.” As the resident quokka in charge, Dr. Fuzzby aims to help struggling teammates learn how to work together. If you’re left wondering why she’s made you cackle to the point of gasping for air, it’s because Brunson is the Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning creator, writer, producer, and star of the hit comedy series Abbott Elementary.

Danny Trejo as Jesús

Zootopia 2 is set to introduce Judy and Nick to a horde of animals they haven’t been exposed to before, including Danny Trejo’s Jesús. Introduced in the final trailer, Jesús is a male plumed basilisk who can literally run on water. As a reptile far removed from the rest of Zootopia, he offers Judy and Nick some food for thought, underlining one of the sequel’s themes: “When you two save the city, maybe everyone will see reptiles ain’t that different.” Like Warburton, Trejo has an instantly recognizable voice, having appeared in dozens of memorable films, including Spy Kids (the first will always be the best), Machete, From Dusk Till Dawn, Heat, and Desperado.

Stephanie Beatriz as Bloats and Wilmer Valderrama as Higgins

We don’t talk about Bruno, but we do need to talk about Stephanie Beatriz and her impressive versatility. First, she played the no-nonsense Rosa Diaz on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, then she took center stage as Mirabel in Encanto, and now she’s playing a male police officer who also happens to be a hippopotamus. It’s giving iconic, and Bloats gives Judy and Nick quite the chase when they arrive in Marsh Market in search of reptiles.

The other hippo cop, Higgins, is voiced by Wilmer Valderrama. Though Valderrama is better known for playing Fez on That ’70s Show and Nick Torres on NCIS, he appeared in Encanto alongside Beatriz, so playing a fellow member of the ZPD is far from his first voice-over rodeo. One of these two definitely deserved Oscar consideration for their prior work, so let this be another reminder that it’s time for a voice acting category, Academy.

Alan Tudyk as Duke Weaselton

Also returning in Zootopia 2 is Alan Tudyk’s Weaselton –– Duke Weaselton. This conniving lowlife lives for cash and is known to sell pirated DVDs like Pig Hero 6 and Wreck-It Rhino. Tudyk, meanwhile, is known for disappearing into the wildly different characters he plays. In fact, in Zootopia 2 alone, he voices Weaselton, a French raccoon chef, a character named Molt Kahl, and a reporter. Having previously voiced characters like Iago in Disney’s live-action Aladdin, Heihei in Moana and Moana 2, and Gary in James Gunn’s Superman, it might be tricky to pick his voice out of the Zootopia crowd. Then again, that’s why they pay him the big bucks.

John Leguizamo as Antony Snootley

Okay, now we need to talk about Bruno, because the man who provided his voice in Encanto is also in Zootopia 2. John Leguizamo, who has a storied career ranging from Moulin Rouge! to everyone’s favorite scene-stealer Sid the Sloth in the Ice Age franchise, will be appearing in the form of Antony Snootley, an anteater crime boss and smuggler. He might look like he has a dazzling smile, but don’t let him fool you — anteaters don’t have teeth in real life!

Jenny Slate as Dawn Bellwether

Look out, kittens –– Bellwether is back, and hell hath no fury like a hoofed mammal scorned. After going full-blown wolf-in-sheep’s clothing in the first Zootopia, Dawn is set to appear in at least one prison scene in Zootopia 2. This means we’ll get to hear Jenny Slate’s vocal stylings, best known for her award-winning turn in Obvious Child and the characters she’s voiced in Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, The Secret Life of Pets, Bob’s Burgers, and Big Mouth.

Yvette Nicole Brown as Bearoness Bear

Not much is known about the glamorous Bearoness Bear, who attends the Zootennial Gala Judy and Nick infiltrate, but we do know who voices her. Viewers will recognize Yvette Nicole Brown from Community, The Mayor, Big Shot, and Disenchanted, as well as her daytime talk show guest co-host stints on The View, The Talk, and The Real. She even appeared as a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent in Avengers: Endgame and lent her voice to Coach Roberts in Inside Out 2. This eclectic roster of projects makes it no surprise that, in addition to voicing the Bearoness, Brown will play an EMT Otter in Zootopia 2.

Cecily Strong as Little Judith

Remember Mr. Big, the tiny Arctic shrew with the personality of the Godfather? He and his daughter Fru Fru are back in Zootopia 2, and joining them is Fru Fru’s daughter, Little Judith. In the official trailer, Little Judith memorably asks Nick to kiss her “wing,” which looks suspiciously like a Ring Pop. Clearly a doted-on princess, Little Judith is voiced by longtime SNL cast member Cecily Strong. In addition to her 11 seasons on the famed sketch comedy series –– which boasts an impressive roster of comedians who have gone on to make more incredible television –– Strong has done voice-over work in movies like Leo and The Garfield Movie and co-starred with Keegan-Michael Key in the musical comedy Schmigadoon!

Josh Gad as Paul Moledebrandt

Every police department needs a stressed-out IT guy, which is where Josh Gad’s Paul Moledebrandt comes in. Poor Paul does not appear to love his job, especially when Nick’s office antics result in Paul getting bowled over by an exploding soda can. If anyone can bring this grumpy mole to humorous life, it’s Gad, who quickly became a Disney legend after stealing the show as Olaf in Frozen and Frozen II. Gad also had memorable performances in Broadway’s The Book of Mormon and as Gaston’s dim-witted lackey LeFou in Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast.

Dwayne Johnson as Zeke, AKA That Dik-Dik Stuck in That Tuba

At this point, why wouldn’t Dwayne Johnson be in Zootopia 2? And why wouldn’t he be playing a tiny antelope who gets stuck in a tuba? Quietly known as the highest-paid actor in Hollywood, Johnson’s other recent on-screen achievements include disappearing into the role of UFC champion Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine and reappearing as Maui in Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation of Moana. In addition to Zootopia 2, Johnson is slated to appear in Red Notice 2, Jungle Cruise 2, Fast X: Part 2, and Jumanji 4. Needless to say, let’s hope he gets himself out of that tuba.

And That Only Scratches the Surface of ‘Zootopia 2’s Eye-Popping Cast

As if this star-studded lineup wasn’t enough, the filmmakers went ahead and added even more big names to Zootopia 2’s cast. Rounding out the ensemble are:

• Bonnie Hunt, returning as Bonnie Hopps
• Don Lake, returning as Stu Hopps
• Nate Torrence, returning as Clawhauser
• Raymond S. Persi, returning as Flash
• Tommy Chong, returning as Yax
• Maurice LaMarche, returning as Mr. Big
• Leah Latham, returning as Fru Fru
• Mark Rhino Smith, returning as Officer McHorn
• Josh Dallas, returning as Frantic Pig
• Jean Reno as Bûcheron / Chèvre
• Michelle Gomez as Captain Hoggbottom
• Auli’i Cravalho as Anti-Venom Pen
• June Squibb as Gram Gram
• Mario Lopez as Denny Howlett
• Michael J. Fox as Michael J. The Fox
• Mae Martin as Tuffy Cheeksworth
• Tig Notaro as Big Tig
• Amanda Gorman as Deerdra Bambino
• Rachel House as Gramma Taller
• Robert Clarence Irwin as Robert Furwin
• Anika Noni Rose as Squeal of Fortune Mouse
• Bob Iger as Bob Tiger

Directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard –– who once again lend their voices to Pronk the oryx and Bucky the kudu, respectively –– Zootopia 2 arrives in theaters Nov. 26, 2025.