One of my favorite Disney Animation films is Zootopia (2016). The film’s characters, the story, and a not-so-covert discussion of racism & bigotry find a way to tell an entertaining yet poignant story through Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and others. So when Disney announced they would be doing a shorts version a la Cars, Baymax, and Olaf I was ecstatic! And will say, Zootopia+ does not disappoint!

ZOOTOPIA+ SHORTS FIT LIKE A GLOVE

The episode "The Godfather of the Bride," goes back in time to his days as Mr. Small, who discovers the important of friends, family and community after immigrating to Zootopia alongside his beloved mother. Directed by Josie Trinidad and Trent Correy, and produced by Nathan Curtis, "Zootopia+" streams on Disney+ beginning Nov. 9, 2022. © 2022 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
“The Godfather of the Bride”
In "The Real Rodents of Little Rodentia," newly engaged Fru Fru (voiced by Leah Latham) kicks off wedding planning with enthusiasm and flourish—at least until her scene-stealing cousin Tru Tru (Michelle Buteau) arrives to assume the role of Shrew of Honor. A battle for the spotlight ensues until a close call with a giant donut reveals that for better or worse, no one knows you better than family. Directed by Josie Trinidad and Trent Correy, and produced by Nathan Curtis, "Zootopia+" streams on Disney+ beginning Nov. 9, 2022. © 2022 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
“The Real Rodents of Little Rodentia”
Meet Sam (voiced by Charlotte Nicdao), a super server who urgently tries to finish her restaurant shift to make a once-in-a-lifetime Gazelle concert, until Flash (Raymond S. Persi) and Priscilla (Kristen Bell) show up at the last minute with hopes of a once-in-a-lifetime dinner. Directed by Josie Trinidad and Trent Correy, and produced by Nathan Curtis, "Zootopia+" streams on Disney+ beginning Nov. 9, 2022. © 2022 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
“Dinner Rush”

Each short in the Zootopia+ series focuses on the side character from the film and what they were up doing while Nick and Judy were on the case. Personally, my favorite one is about Fru Fru, the newly married arctic shrew, and her “The Real Rodents of Little Rodentia” series. What was she up to BEFORE the giant donut almost crushed her? Trying on wedding dresses and getting into fights with her best friends. However, the entire short tells such a loving story about friendship, jealousy, and communication that even adults need to see.

The rest of the series gives focus to one character at a time in order to not be muddled and confusing. We see the journey Judy’s little bunny sister goes on when hopping on the train in “Hopp on Board”. The Weasel gets a fantastic musical number. We get a fantastic mini backstory for Fru Fru’s father in The Godfather of the Bride. How did this shrew become so powerful? Watch. It’ll show you.

And of course, we see how hilarious, Gazelle-obsessed tiger buddy Benjamin Clawhauser put back on his dancing shoes. And no Zootopia+ series would be complete without revisiting everyone’s favorite DMV Employee, Flash the sloth!

IF YOU LOVE ZOOTOPIA YOU’LL LOVE THE SHORTS

After being wrangled and arrested in a giant donut—compliments of Officer Judy Hopps—clever criminal weasel Duke (voiced by Alan Tudyk) reevaluates his life, pondering where he went wrong—staged in his own mind in "Duke The Musical." Directed by Josie Trinidad and Trent Correy, and produced by Nathan Curtis, "Zootopia+" streams on Disney+ beginning Nov. 9, 2022. © 2022 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
“Duke the Musical”
In the episode "Hopp on Board," Bonnie & Stu Hopps (voiced by Bonnie Hunt and Don Lake) say goodbye to their daughter Judy as she boards the train from Bunny Burrow to Zootopia to begin her life as the big city's first bunny cop. Meanwhile their youngest daughter, Molly, hitches a ride atop the train, forcing the country couple into an action-packed rescue mission. Directed by Josie Trinidad and Trent Correy, and produced by Nathan Curtis, "Zootopia+" streams on Disney+ beginning Nov. 9, 2022. © 2022 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
“Hopp on Board”
Clawhauser persuades his boss, Chief Bogo (Idris Elba), to audition for “So You Think You Can Prance.” The stakes are high as the ultimate prize is a dream-come-true opportunity to dance on stage with superstar Gazelle. Directed by Josie Trinidad and Trent Correy, and produced by Nathan Curtis, "Zootopia+" streams on Disney+ beginning Nov. 9, 2022. © 2022 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
“So You Think You Can Prance”

I was entertained the entire time watching this series of Zootopia+shorts. I found that they could easily plug and play into the film and world we already know. It adds so much more to the story and characters that I already love. Each short is distinct and curated to each character so perfectly. I found myself giddy and wanting more.

Zootopia+ comes to Disney+ on Wednesday, November 9th! Make sure to check it out. You won’t regret it!

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