Ginnifer Goodwin Breaks Silence on Judy and Nick’s Zootopia 2 Relationship
Ginnifer Goodwin finally addresses the heated fan debate over Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde’s dynamic in Zootopia 2. As the sequel’s chemistry sparks new questions, Goodwin and the film’s creators tease what’s next for the beloved duo—and the animal world they inhabit.
With the massive box office triumph of Zootopia 2, one of the most talked-about topics online has been the nature of Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde’s partnership. After the sequel amped up their on-screen connection, fans have been buzzing: is there more to their bond than friendship? When asked directly if the 2025 follow-up was a hidden romance, Ginnifer Goodwin, who voices Judy, didn’t shy away from the question.
Goodwin on Love, Laughter, and Fan Theories
Goodwin offered her candid perspective on the ongoing debate about Judy and Nick’s relationship. She emphasized that Disney films are known for celebrating all kinds of love, and that viewers are welcome to interpret the duo’s connection however they see fit. In her words:
What I love most about Disney is that all different types of love are celebrated. Just like how “Frozen” is a celebration of sibling love, whatever people glean from “Zootopia” is valid. We made this movie for the public, so do with it what you will.
She also shared a playful behind-the-scenes moment with Jason Bateman, who voices Nick. The two joked about what kind of animal their characters might produce if they had offspring, with Bateman quipping that a fox and a bunny would make a “Funny.”
The only thing I will say is that Jason Bateman and I joked about what kind of creature would emerge from Judy and Nick as an offspring, and he pointed out that a fox and a bunny make a “Funny.”
Looking Ahead: New Worlds and Species
After discussing Judy and Nick’s unique dynamic, Goodwin opened up about her hopes for the next chapter. She’s excited by the idea of exploring new environments and animal groups in a potential third installment. She admitted that, during the first film, she hadn’t even considered semi-aquatic animals or birds, but now sees endless opportunities as the universe expands. She noted that the post-credits scene in Zootopia 2 hints at where the story could head next, with a feather teasing the possible introduction of birds.
There are other worlds that I would love to see explored, because it didn’t even occur to me when we were making the first one, like, “What about the semi-aquatic animals?” If you stayed for the post-credit scene of Zootopia 2, we introduced another world with a new type of animal. I wouldn’t even pretend to be able to predict what it is that they’ll do with Zootopia 3.
While she didn’t confirm any details, Goodwin expressed her trust in the creative team and her excitement for whatever direction the franchise takes next.
Creators Weigh In: The Feather and the Future
The filmmakers behind Zootopia 2 also shed light on the mysterious feather that appears in the sequel’s post-credits scene. Director Jared Bush explained that this moment was designed to spark curiosity, suggesting that the world is much larger than what’s been shown so far. Producer Yvett Merino added that Zootopia has always been just one part of a vast continent, leaving room for countless new species, settings, and stories.
Well, I think that there are limitless numbers of stories to tell in the world of Zootopia. I think that this is something that hopefully, when audiences see it, will get them excited about what that could be, what that actually means, and what mystery may lie ahead.
Exactly. Zootopia was always created as an area on a continent in a world. So, if you think of it that way, you never know what’s going to happen.
So far, the films have yet to explore animals like birds, insects, fish, or even household pets. The feather in the credits hints at new adventures on the horizon, possibly soaring into the skies or venturing into uncharted lands. Zootopia 2 is currently playing in theaters, while the original is available to stream.