Dwayne Johnson joins Zootopia 2 in a surprise voice cameo role. The beloved sequel arrives in theaters on November 26, 2025. Disney announced the casting alongside a star-studded ensemble featuring Josh Gad, Auliʻi Cravalho, and more. This is the most ambitious voice cast expansion for the franchise.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Zootopia 2 hits theaters nationwide on November 26, 2025
- Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson voices Zeke, an accident-prone dik-dik
- Disney alumni include stars from Moana, Frozen, and Encanto
- Runtime is 1 hour 47 minutes of comedy adventure
- Judy and Nick must go undercover to crack their biggest case yet
Disney Announces Star-Studded Voice Cast Expansion
Walt Disney Animation Studios dropped the final trailer on October 27, 2025. The reveal features an unprecedented collection of returning and new voice talent. Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman reprise their roles as beloved detectives Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde.
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The announcement marks a major moment for the franchise. Disney’s creative team intentionally assembled voices from previous animation classics. These cameos honor the studio’s rich legacy while expanding Zootopia‘s world exponentially. Jared Bush, the writer and director, explained the vision clearly.
“From the beginning, Easter eggs and winks to our favorite films have been a hallmark of Zootopia. We are ecstatic that Zootopia 2 expands our family to include even more members of our extended Disney family, filled with dear friends and true Disney Legends.”
The Rock Joins the Zootopia Universe
Dwayne Johnson’s casting represents a major get for the sequel. His character Zeke is an accident-prone dik-dik who encounters trouble. The mishap results directly from Judy and Nick’s high-speed pursuit going awry during their investigation.
Johnson joins an incredible ensemble that spans multiple Disney franchises. The collaboration brings together voices from Moana, Frozen, Encanto, and The Princess and the Frog. Each actor brings their unique energy to Zootopia’s evolving world.
The voice cameo strategy reflects Disney Animation‘s confidence in the sequel’s appeal. Including recognizable voices keeps families engaged while building anticipation. Josh Gad appears as Paul Moledebrandt, the ornery mole and ZPD’s IT expert.
Complete Cast Breakdown and Character Details
| Actor | Character | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Dwayne Johnson | Zeke | Accident-prone dik-dik caught in pursuit |
| Josh Gad | Paul Moledebrandt | ICY expert mole running ZPD tech |
| Auliʻi Cravalho | Anti-Venom Pen | Antidote for Gary De’Snake’s venom |
| Ke Huy Quan | Gary De’Snake | Mysterious reptilian antagonist |
| Ginnifer Goodwin | Judy Hopps | Rookie cop returning for adventure |
| Jason Bateman | Nick Wilde | Slyly clever fox detective |
The full ensemble extends far beyond these marquee names. Stephanie Beatriz and Wilmer Valderrama voice hippo police partners Bloats and Higgins. Macaulay Culkin, Andy Samberg, and David Strathairn portray the Lynxleys, a prominent family.
Additional casting includes Fortune Feimster as Nibbles Maplestick, host of a reptile mystery podcast. Cinco Brunson plays Dr. Fuzzby, an adorable quokka therapy animal. Patrick Warburton voices Mayor Brian Winddancer, an actor-turned-politician.
What Audiences Can Expect This November
The plot follows Judy and Nick as they investigate a new threat. Gary De’Snake arrives and turns Zootopia upside down with mysterious activities. The detectives must go undercover to unexpected neighborhoods throughout the city.
Their partnership faces unprecedented tests in this adventure. The story explores how relationships evolve under pressure and new circumstances. Early trailers hint at couples therapy jokes and growing romantic tension between the leads.
The runtime clocks in at 1 hour and 47 minutes of comedy, action, and heart. Voice performances from Idris Elba and Shakira round out the core cast. Robert Irwin joins as Robert Furwin, a cute koala character.
Why This Casting Strategy Matters for Disney Animation?
Disney clearly invested heavily in securing A-list talent for Zootopia 2. The strategy demonstrates confidence in the sequel’s cultural importance. Star power drives ticket sales while honoring fans’ connection to the original.
The cross-franchise approach builds a shared Disney universe narrative. Fans recognize voices and characters from beloved films like Moana and Frozen. This interconnectedness strengthens emotional investment across multiple generations.
The release comes during peak holiday moviegoing season. November 26 positions the film perfectly for family outings and festive celebrations. Disney expects strong box office performance through the holiday period.
Mark your calendars for November 26, 2025 when Zootopia 2 arrives in theaters nationwide. Bring the whole family to experience this star-studded adventure.
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.