After more than ten years of fans urging for a romantic connection between them, the creators of Zootopia 2 are considering the possibility of a relationship between Nick and Judy. Once more, the beloved characters are brought to life by Ginnifer Goodwin, known for her role in Once Upon a Time, and Jason Bateman, a Golden Globe winner. In this Disney sequel, the hopeful rabbit and the reformed con artist fox embark on their journey as officers in the Zootopia Police Department.
However, their conflicting personalities threaten their careers. As they delve into the unexpected emergence of a snake, they find themselves wrongfully accused and must hurry to unravel a complex conspiracy. Directed by Byron Howard, alongside original co-writer Jared Bush, Zootopia 2 emerged as top domestic grosser of 2025.
It received nearly the same level of praise as it’s Oscar-winning predecessor, while also shattering numerous Box Office records, including the title of Disney’s highest-grossing animated film ever, raking in almost $1.86 billion. Additionally, it secured its place as the second-highest-grossing animated film in history and the highest-domestic-grossing film of 2025.
Almost four months after it’s theatrical release, Disney launched Zootopia 2 on Disney+ on March 11.
To celebrate it’s streaming debut, ScreenRant’s Tatiana Hullender spoke with director Byron Howard, producer Yvett Merino, and star Yvette Nicole Brown about the successful animated sequel.
When inquired about the popular fan pairing of Nick and Judy, affectionately known as Wildehopps, director Byron Howard confirmed that the creative team are indeed “fans of the Nick-Judy relationship” and acknowledged that “there’s definitely chemistry” between the two characters.
Moreover, recognizing that the ten-year interval between each film has sparked “a lot of conversation” regarding the dynamics of their relationship, the co-director stated that “there are moments in this movie where I truly sense that those two are soulmates” and share something “beyond [merely] friendship”.
According to Byron Howard, “While it may not be a romance, there is something truly special that unfolds between them. The chemistry is significantly enhanced by Ginnifer and Jason’s voices, but it’s their contrasting personalities and the film’s focus on differences that truly captivates the audience. I admire it. However, I won’t disclose my personal feelings or reveal my vote.”
In light of Howard’s decision to keep his vote confidential, producer Yvett Merino was questioned about her perspective on the duo and whether she has an opinion on Nick and Judy’s relationship status as Zootopia 3 approaches. While the co-director suggests that they are more than just friends, the producer refers to them as “such good friends” and emphasizes that the primary reason for this is their deep understanding of one another.
Highlighting that “we all have individuals [like that],” even if “you can’t quite articulate it,” Merino perceives Nick and Judy as a duo who “truly connect with one another.” Moreover, irrespective of the specific label on their partnership, “they share a wonderful bond” that she envisions lasting into the future.
Yvette Nicole Brown, who portrays two roles in the cast of Zootopia 2, agreed with both Howard and Merino that she is excited whenever she can see more of Judy and Nick. She even expressed a desire for “some deleted scenes featuring the two of them together.”
Complimenting their “banter,” the Emmy nominee suggested that “they’re in love, but they haven’t realized it yet.”
According to Yvette Nicole Brown, “To me, their coming together to express their emotions in that frigid landscape was everything. And let’s be honest, I’m a shipper; everyone knows that about me. I can ship anything, even a pen with a piece of paper, just give me a moment. I support their relationship, and I truly hope that in Zootopia 3, they come to understand that they are meant to be together.”