Introducing Nothing You’ve Ever Seen Be-Fur #ZOOTOPIA

Inspired by innovation and inspiration, Walt Disney Animation’s newest film “ZOOTOPIA” harkens back to Disney Animations renaissance of great talking animal films. Set to be released on March 4, 2016, Zootopia will take audiences to a world and a story that they’ve never seen be-fur in the animal-centered world of Zootopia. I had the immense pleasure of speaking with the creators and filmmakers of Zootopia during a long-lead press day at the Tujunga Walt Disney Animation campus in October. The insight of the inspiration and behind-the-scenes creation of Zootopia left me feeling inspired and insanely expectant of the film. Let me just say: I’m not just excited to see Zootopia in entirety – I can barely contain myself.

Pictures from my day!

Anyone Can Be Anything

Directed by Byron Howard (“Tangled,” “Bolt”) and Rich Moore (“Wreck-It Ralph,” “The Simpsons”) and co-directed by Jared Bush (“Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero”), Zootopia was created on the premise that human’s never existed and the mammal metropolis was entirely designed by animals for animals. The city of Zootopia is comprised of neighborhoods that celebrate different cultures and climates. There’s ritzy Sahara Square for desert animals, chilly Tundratown for the polar bears and moose, the hot and humid Rain Forest District, Little Rodentia for the the tiniest mice, and Bunnyburrows for the millions and millions and millions of super fluffy bunnies. The downtown area, Savanna Central, is a melting pot where a wide array of mammals from every environment come together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything.

A Bunny & A Fox…Natural Enemies

The main characters of Zootopia are Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) the first ever bunny to join the Zootopia police force and Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman) a charming, fast talking, con-artist fox. In a twist of fate (and part desperation on Judy Hopps attempt at making a name for herself on the police force) Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde join forces to crack a tough mystery riddled case. Along the way, Judy Hopps ever present optimism is put to the ultimate test as she is forced to deal with and compromise with Nick Wilde’s devious cynical realism. The underlying message of “you can be anything” Zootopia is courage, confidence and self perseverance no matter what is thrown your way.

Poor Judy

A Cast of Stars

Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman are perfectly cast as Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, they each have the ability to give their characters relatability and sweet sincerity. Also included in the voice cast are Shakira as Zootopia’s biggest international pop star Gazelle, Idris Elba (Netflix’s “Beasts of No Nation,” BBC’s “Luther”) as Judy’s no-nonsense cape buffalo boss Chief Bogo, J.K. Simmons (“Juno,” Oscar winner for “Whiplash”) as Mayor Lionheart, and Nate Torrance (HBO’s “Hello Ladies,” Fox’s “Weird Loners”) as charming cheetah Clawhauser. The voice cast also features Jenny Slate (“Obvious Child,” “Marcel the Shell”) as Assistant Mayor Bellwether, Tommy Chong (“Up in Smoke,” “That ’70s Show”) as Yax the Yak, Octavia Spencer (“Insurgent,” Oscar winner for “The Help”) as a distraught Mrs. Otterton, and Bonnie Hunt (“Return to Me,” “Jerry Maguire”) and Don Lake (“Dumb and Dumber To,” “The Bonnie Hunt Show”) as Judy’s anxious, but supportive parents. Rounding out the cast are Alan Tudyk (“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” “Trumbo”) as Duke Weaselton, Tommy “Tiny” Lister (“Friday,” “The Fifth Element”) as Finnick, Raymond Persi (“Wreck-It Ralph,” WDAS story artist) as Flash the sloth, Katie Lowes (ABC’s “Scandal,” “Big Hero 6”) as Dr. Madge Honey Badger, Jesse Corti (“Frozen,” “Beauty and the Beast”) as jaguar Manchas, and John DiMaggio (Fox’s “Futurama,” Cartoon Network’s “Adventure Time”) as elephant ice cream shop owner, Jerry Jumbeaux Jr.

When Judy Hopps optimistic character is tested, will she make it out ok? Only seeing the film will tell! Zootopia is sure to be an amazing film. Stay tuned for more about the research and character development – coming soon to The Funny Mom Blog. 

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