Annecy: Disney Previews Zootopia 2
As last week's Annecy Festival unfolded, more big names took to the stage to preview their projects in production. Amongst them was, of course, Disney. Director Jared Bush was there to offer a preview of the upcoming Zootopia 2.
Attendees were treated to new footage and images from the sequel. The footage featured returning characters Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin), Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) and Mr. Big (Maurice LaMarche) and new characters Gary De’Snake (Ke Huy Quan), Nibbles (Fortune Feimster) and Dr. Fuzzby (Quinta Brunson).
“Nick and Judy are now Zootopia Police Department’s newest rookie cop partners,” Bush said. “But the question of this movie is whether these two animals, who are so different, really have what it takes to stay together in the long run. In other words, if the first movie was like their honeymoon, this movie is what moving in feels like.”
It was revealed that iconic French actor Jean Reno would be appearing in a cameo as a police officer. It's not clear if this will just be in the French version, however.
Bush introduced a variety of new environments and characters that will be appearing in the sequel. They include Marsh Market, described by Bush as "one of the most immersive environments we've ever created, and a buff actor-turned-politician stallion called Mayor Wind Dancer. He also confirmed the return of several fan favourite characters from the original: " “Chief Bogo will be back. Clawhauser. Gazelle. Mayor Bellwether. That naked yak. Judy’s 278 brothers and sisters. Mr. Big and his daughter Fru Fru. And of course, Flash.”
Footage screened included the dynamic duo's troubled undercover operation, therapy sessions and a chase sequence featuring Gary De’Snake. Nick and Judy become fugitives, which puts a stress on their relationship. How will they put it right?
“Ultimately, our mismatched pair of a bunny and a fox shows us that even in a polarized world where our differences so often push us apart, sometimes just simply trying to understand each other and talk to each other can be the thing that allows us to mend our broken world together.”
As part of the presentation, Disney legend Ron Clements (Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Moana) was inaugurated into the Annecy Walk Of Fame.
It was also announced that he would be returning to Walt Disney Studios Animation in and advisory capacity. “I really have been enjoying retirement,” he said, “but I’m excited about just returning to kind of mentor… There aren’t as many old people around as there used to be, and there certainly are so many young people who want to work in animation.”
Bush added "I’ve actually unretired a very important person here, Ron Clements, who’s coming back to the studio. Ron is one of the reasons that I do what I do… The legacy he helped build is the foundation we walk on.”
In a special conversation with Bush and Variety's Peter Debruge Clements talked about his animated inspiration: “I was nine years old… and I saw a reissue of ‘Pinocchio’ in our local theatre. I couldn’t get it out of my mind… I decided at that point that I wanted to be an animator, and I wanted to work for Walt Disney.”
Bush added that The Jungle Book and The Little Mermaid were his childhood inspirations: “Just wanting to be a part of that kind of storytelling legacy was really important,” he said. “To be honest, I never knew that it was possible to join Disney Animation… let alone run it. That was never even a dream I let myself have.”
Now Chief Creative Officer at Walt Disney Animation Studios, Bush reemphasised his priorities; "“There are three things I believe define our path forward. First is joy and imagination… Second, this deep collaboration… And lastly, we are committed to always swinging for the fences.”
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