Zootopia 3 could officially expand the franchise in a new direction beyond the city, with birds
A wider world awaits
Zootopia’s detailed city has long invited questions about how animals of different sizes and species live together. Its neighborhoods and infrastructure are part of the appeal, while each new species offers more of the animal world to explore.
Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde remain the franchise’s central draw. But the setting extends far beyond the familiar residents, giving the filmmakers room to broaden the stories they tell.
Birds may enter the story
At the SCAD Savannah Film Festival, Collider’s Steve Weintraub asked Bush how much more of the world the next film might reveal. Bush confirmed his involvement and said Zootopia 3 would take time to get right.
Bush said birds would be introduced, and suggested the movie may travel outside Zootopia City for the first time. He also emphasized that Judy and Nick would remain at the heart of a story set in this world.
An idea years in making
Bush said he and director Byron Howard wanted to keep telling stories in Zootopia after making the first film. He recalled that, a year into the project, they were already discussing the possibility of exploring different kinds of animals.
Bush said conversations about introducing reptiles or birds began 15 years ago. The next film’s wider setting would build on that long-standing interest, while continuing the partnership audiences know.
Key points
- Zootopia 3 is in development, with Jared Bush deeply involved in its story.
- Birds are expected to join the world of Zootopia.
- The film may take Judy and Nick beyond Zootopia City for the first time.
- Bush said he and Byron Howard discussed new animal species 15 years ago.