Zootopia 2016

In the idyllic town of Bunnyburrow, a spirited 9-year-old bunny named Judy Hopps (Della Saba) takes center stage, showcasing her impressive theatrical skills in a school production that celebrates the harmonious coexistence of predators and prey. Her impassioned speech about Zootopia’s reputation as a city where animals can thrive regardless of their species leaves a lasting impression. But it’s her bold declaration to become a police officer that truly sets the tone for an unforgettable journey. Judy’s parents, Bonnie (Bonnie Hunt) and Stu (Don Lake), may dismiss her aspirations, citing the lack of bunny officers in Zootopia’s force, but Judy remains resolute in pursuing her dreams.

As Judy confronts a kid fox, Gideon Grey (Phil Johnston), who’s bullying his peers for their fair tickets, she stands up to him with unwavering conviction. Despite being taunted and even physically attacked by Gideon, Judy emerges victorious, reclaiming the stolen tickets and affirming her refusal to give up in the face of adversity.

Years later, Judy enrolls in the Zootopia Police Academy, where her diminutive stature becomes a challenge as she navigates the obstacle courses under the watchful eye of the drill sergeant (Fuschia!). However, Judy’s unyielding determination and quick thinking prove to be the keys to her success. As valedictorian of her class, Judy graduates with honors, earning the praise of Mayor Lionheart (J.K. Simmons) and Assistant Mayor Bellwether (Jenny Slate), a sheep who formally congratulates Judy on becoming Zootopia’s first bunny police officer.

As Judy assumes her new role at Precinct 1 in the heart of Zootopia, her parents’ apprehension is palpable, but Judy’s unwavering dedication to her duties and her community sets her apart. With her graduation ceremony serving as a testament to her perseverance, Judy Hopps is poised to make a lasting impact on Zootopia’s law enforcement landscape.

As the morning sun rises over Zootopia’s sprawling metropolis, Judy Hopps (Shruti Tewar) embarks on her maiden voyage, accompanied by her beaming parents and a throng of siblings. Stu, ever the cunning fox, persuades Judy to pack a can of fox repellent in her bag before she boards the train to the city, where she’ll begin her new life as a police officer. As the train whisks her away through the diverse districts, from the frozen tundra to the lush rainforest, Judy’s ears perk up to the infectious beat of Gazelle (Shakira)‘s latest hit.

Upon arriving at her rundown apartment, Judy is greeted by the cacophony of Bucky and Pronk Oryx-Antlerson’s (Byron Howard and Jared Bush) boisterous neighbors, but her excitement for her first day on the job remains unabated. Rising with the sun, she makes a beeline for the police station, where she’s directed to roll call by the portly desk sergeant, Benjamin Clawhauser (Nate Torrence), a cheetah with a penchant for precision.

As Judy takes her place among the assembled officers – a menagerie of elephants, rhinos, hippos, and bears – it becomes clear that she stands out from the crowd. Her diminutive stature is dwarfed by her colleagues, but her sharp ears and quick wit allow her to excel in her assigned task: issuing 200 parking tickets before noon.

As the morning wears on, Judy’s attention is piqued by a suspicious fox, Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), who slips into Jerry Jumbeaux Jr.’s (John DiMaggio) ice cream shop. Initially wary, Judy watches as Nick attempts to purchase a jumbo-pop for his son, clad in an elephant costume. However, when Jerry refuses service due to the fox’s species, Judy springs into action, proposing a compromise that allows the elephants to escape with a warning for their health code violation – provided Nick can procure the treat.

When Nick confesses he’s wallet-less and apologizes to his son for the disappointing birthday, Judy seizes the opportunity to intervene, purchasing the jumbo-pop herself. As she walks away from the shop, her step lightens, her heart buoyed by the knowledge that she’s helped someone in need – a sentiment she feels deeply about, given her own experiences as a prey species in a city where predators and prey coexist.

As Judy continues her duties as a meter maid, she stumbles upon an unexpected scene: the enigmatic little fox in his elephant disguise, teamed up with Nick, indulging in an unorthodox activity - melting jumbo-pops on the rooftop and collecting the dripping juice in large jars. Her curiosity piqued, Judy approaches the duo, only to discover that they’re creating a peculiar entrepreneurial venture, manufacturing mini popsicles using the melted treat. With Finnick (Tom Lister Jr.), Nick’s “son” - a mature fennec fox - at the wheel, they embark on a journey through Tundratown, peddling their wares to busy hamsters exiting the Savannah District. As the sun sets, Judy trails them to the Little Rodentia construction site, where Finnick expertly offloads the harvested sticks into the lumber supply chain.

Later, as Nick and Finnick go their separate ways, Judy confronts her erstwhile companion, demanding answers about his unconventional business dealings. Nick, a seasoned hustler, presents Judy with an impressive array of paperwork, demonstrating the technical legality of his ventures. However, he also offers a humbling rebuke, pointing out that the city is not a realm where dreams come true and a meter maid’s aspirations are doomed to remain mere fantasies.

Judy returns to her apartment, her spirits dampened by an unwarranted phone call from her parents, who are oblivious to the fact that their daughter has traded in her guns and badges for a peaceful life as a parking attendant. The next day, she’s back at work, issuing tickets with a mixture of tolerance and resignation, enduring the verbal vitriol of disgruntled citizens along the way. It isn’t until a frantic pig (Josh Dallas) bursts onto the scene, pleading for her help in solving his recent robbery, that Judy springs into action. She gives chase to the cunning thief (Alan Tudyk), expertly navigating the city square and Little Rodentia without causing harm to the tiny inhabitants or their property. During the pursuit, she narrowly avoids a disaster when a plastic doughnut is kicked her way by Duke, but manages to stop it just in time using the doughnut itself to apprehend the thief. After depositing the culprit at the station, Judy is summoned to Chief Bogo’s office, where she faces reprimand for abandoning her post and putting the public in danger in order to recover a bag of moldy onions - or so it would seem. In reality, Judy had stumbled upon a cache of rare Midnicampum holicithias flower bulbs, which she was determined to see returned to their rightful owner. However, Chief Bogo remains unconvinced, viewing her actions as a flagrant disregard for orders and a personal affront.

Just as the confrontation appears to be reaching its climax, an urgent knock at the door interrupts the proceedings. It’s Mrs. Otterton (Octavia Spencer), frantic with worry over the disappearance of her husband Emmitt, who has been missing for ten days. Chief Bogo offers hollow reassurances, but Judy seizes the opportunity to prove herself and promises to find Emmitt. The chief reluctantly agrees to allow Judy to take on the case, but only if she can produce results within a 48-hour timeframe - otherwise, she’ll be forced to resign. With her determination renewed, Judy accepts the challenge and sets out to uncover the truth behind Emmitt’s disappearance, earning the reluctant approval of Assistant Mayor Bellwether (who just happens to have a stake in the case) along the way.

As Clawhauser hands Judy the case file at the front desk, she’s met with a daunting task: no leads, no witnesses, and limited technological resources as a newcomer. The only glimmer of hope is the lone photograph featuring Emmitt, which sparks her curiosity when she notices the distinctive popsicle he’s eating. Undeterred by Nick’s initial reluctance to help, Judy tracks him down on the streets and employs a clever tactic: threatening to expose his alleged entrepreneurial endeavors for what they truly are - a mere facade of financial success. Armed with her trusty carrot pen recorder, Judy captures Nick’s own words and juxtaposes them against his dubious tax claims, revealing a stark disparity that leaves little room for argument.

In exchange for his cooperation, Judy offers Nick a temporary reprieve from potential consequences, dangling the threat of federal prosecution for tax evasion like a tantalizing carrot on a stick. Finnick, who had been snoozing in the stroller Nick was pushing, awakens to share a hearty laugh at the unexpected turn of events and wishes Nick good luck navigating the treacherous waters of working with law enforcement.

Nick reluctantly agrees to assist Judy, leading her to Mystic Springs Oasis, the last known whereabouts of Otterton. As they enter the oasis, they’re greeted by Yax, a laid-back yak engaged in a yoga session behind a desk. The unassuming animal recognizes Mr. Otterton but claims he hasn’t seen him in several weeks. Yax then takes them on a tour of the oasis, where Judy is astonished to discover that it serves as a sanctuary for naturists - animals roaming freely without the burden of clothing.

Their search leads them to Nangi, an elephant and yoga instructor who, unfortunately, has no recollection of Otterton’s visit. However, Yax inadvertently provides Judy with the crucial information she needs, including the license plate number of the vehicle last spotted carrying Otterton. Nick proposes they visit his friend Flash at the DMV, where a sloth-staffed bureaucracy awaits. Flash, after an interminable wait, is finally able to run the plate number for them, but not before Nick tries to test Judy’s patience with a well-timed joke.

As the sun dips below the horizon, Judy and Nick exit the DMV, their investigation now primed for the night ahead.

As Judy’s investigation hits a roadblock, she and Nick arrive at the Tundratown lot only to find it shuttered for the day. Dejected, Judy extends her recording pen to Nick, but with a flick of her wrist, the device sails over the fence. Nick retrieves it, and Judy reappears on his side, her eyes sparkling with a clever idea. She whispers that probable cause supersedes warrants, and a suspicious fox scrambling over the gate is all the evidence they need. With newfound determination, they locate the limousine in question, only to find it stuffed with polar bear fur and claw marks. Amidst the chaos, Nick’s eyes widen as he recognizes an insignia on a drinking glass, his face contorted in alarm. He knows exactly whose car this is - a discovery that sends him into panic mode.

Their search yields a treasure trove of clues: Otterton’s wallet, a telltale sign of his presence. But before they can leave the scene, two polar bears descend upon them, forcing Nick and Judy into a precarious situation. As they’re squeezed into the back seat alongside their furry captors, Nick attempts to reason with the pair, explaining that this limousine belongs to none other than Mr. Big - a formidable figure he’s had a falling out with.

Their impromptu carpool comes to an abrupt halt when they’re whisked away to a luxurious study, where the imposing Mr. Big (Maurice LaMarche) awaits. His demeanor is as chilly as his surroundings, and he berates Nick for betraying his trust - a trust that had been extended by none other than Mr. Big’s grandmother, who had recently passed away under the most peculiar circumstances.

Nick’s attempts at placation fall on deaf ears, and it becomes clear that Mr. Big will stop at nothing to exact revenge. However, Judy remains steadfast, her determination to uncover the truth about Emmitt Otterton’s disappearance burning brighter than ever. She confronts Mr. Big, refusing to back down in the face of his ire.

In a stunning turn of events, Fru Fru (Leah Latham) bursts into the room, resplendent in her wedding finery - a sight that sends shockwaves through Judy’s system. It seems she had previously saved Fru Fru from a crushing doughnut, and the grateful bride-to-be is more than happy to repay the favor. With a wave of his paw, Mr. Big orders Nick and Judy released from their precarious predicament.

As they’re granted a temporary reprieve, Mr. Big invites them to join him at his daughter’s wedding reception - an invitation that comes with one condition: they must provide information on Otterton’s whereabouts. The trail leads them to Manchas (Jesse Corti), the enigmatic driver who holds the key to unlocking the mystery surrounding Emmitt Otterton’s disappearance.

As Nick and Judy approach the residence of Manchas, a melanistic jaguar, they’re met with an unexpected reception. The door creaks open, revealing a face marred by scratches and a demeanor marked by fear. Manchas recounts the gruesome tale of Otterton’s descent into madness, speaking of the “night howlers” that drove him to brutal violence. Nick reassures Manchas that they’re on the same mission, and the jaguar agrees to grant them entry. However, their conversation is abruptly interrupted by a faint groan, followed by a thud. As they push open the door, they find themselves staring at a snarling, cowering Manchas. With no choice but to flee for their lives, Judy manages to summon backup as they tumble through the slick canopy, finally coming to rest in a tangle of vines. There, they regroup and cuff Manchas to a light pole near a gondola station before launching themselves into the safety of the vegetation.

Upon arriving at the scene, Chief Bogo is left unconvinced by Judy’s tale of Manchas’ savagery, demanding her badge for failing to complete her assignment. However, Nick intervenes on behalf of his partner, citing their mandate to find Otterton within 48 hours – a deadline that still has ten precious minutes ticking away. With the gondola awaiting, they depart into the rainforest’s misty veil.

As they soar above the treetops, Nick shares a poignant tale of disillusionment and the scars it left on his idealistic youth. Once eager to join the Junior Ranger Scouts, he was met with ridicule and hostility from fellow recruits who saw him as an anomaly – a predator among prey. The experience taught Nick to wall himself off, embracing the stereotype that foxes are shifty and untrustworthy if it meant avoiding hurt. Judy’s consoling words fall on deaf ears, however, as Nick becomes distracted by the traffic cameras scattered throughout the canopy. In a flash of inspiration, he realizes these surveillance systems can be leveraged to track down Manchas’ whereabouts – a crucial clue in their quest for Otterton.

As Judy reflects on the offer of assistance extended by Assistant Mayor Bellwether, she and Nick make their way to City Hall, where they’re led to her humble office - a cozy janitor’s closet that belies her sunny demeanor. However, it’s evident that Bellwether’s bright smile is a coping mechanism for the mistreatment she endures at the hands of Mayor Lionheart. The Assistant Mayor obligingly opens the database containing footage from the Rainforest District traffic cameras, only to be summoned away by Lionheart himself. Judy and Nick seize the opportunity to investigate further, discovering that Manchas was indeed captured and taken away by a pack of timber wolves - a revelation that leads them to conclude that these must be the notorious Night Howlers.

As they watch the wolves’ van navigate through a tunnel before mysteriously disappearing from view, Nick posits that there’s a maintenance tunnel nearby, providing an ideal route for someone seeking to avoid detection. The duo tracks down the van and follows it to its destination: Cliffside Asylum, an abandoned building on the outskirts of town. By exploiting the wolves’ primal instincts, Judy and Nick successfully evade security by triggering a group howl - a phenomenon the wolves cannot resist. Inside the asylum, they stumble upon an old hospital ward now repurposed as a makeshift lair for various feral predators, including Manchas and Mr. Otterton.

Judy’s epiphany is short-lived, however, as Mayor Lionheart arrives with Dr. Badger (Katie Lowes), sparking Judy to record their conversation from the shadows. The Mayor demands answers about the sudden transformation of predators into savage beasts, while the doctor confesses his inability to provide any insight and suggests that they must report their findings to Chief Bogo. Lionheart’s refusal is rooted in his concern for his reputation as a predator official. Just then, Judy’s phone rings with a call from her parents, prompting the Mayor’s startlement. As Dr. Badger orders security to investigate and seals off the wing, Nick and Judy make a split-second decision to flush themselves down a toilet mere moments before the guards arrive. They successfully retrieve the evidence Judy recorded and present it to Chief Bogo, bringing their inquiry one step closer to uncovering the truth.

As the Zootopian authorities descend upon the asylum, ensnaring the Mayor among others in their net of arrests, Lionheart’s protests fall on deaf ears. The chief of police, Chief Bogo, is however, impressed by Hopp’s ingenuity and summons a press conference to share the news with the world. It is here that Judy Hopps, fresh from her triumph, lends Nick Wilde (her soon-to-be partner) her pen recorder, extending an olive branch in the form of a partnership opportunity. As she takes the podium, Judy fields questions from the media, positing that the sudden onset of savagery among the predators may be linked to their genetic makeup, causing them to regress to their primal instincts.

The press corps erupts into a frenzy, with Bellwether, the new mayor, swiftly shutting down the conference. Despite her relief at being freed from the spotlight, Judy’s words have sparked a firestorm of fear and mistrust among the prey population, who now view all predators as potential threats. Gazelle, undeterred by the backlash, hosts a peaceful protest against discrimination, while the city remains gripped by chaos as more predators succumb to their primal urges.

As tensions between the predator and prey populations continue to escalate, Judy is wracked with guilt over her perceived role in exacerbating the situation. She seeks solace in the company of Mrs. Otterton, who is watching Emmitt meander mindlessly in his hospital room. Meanwhile, back at the police station, Chief Bogo summons Judy to meet with the new mayor, Bellwether. The latter proposes that Judy serve as the face of the ZPD, using her charisma to inspire hope among the prey population. However, Judy is unmoved by this suggestion, insisting that she has done the opposite of what she set out to achieve - making the city a worse place rather than a better one. With a heavy heart, she hands over her badge and walks away from her duties as a police officer.

As Judy settles back into her family’s vegetable stand in Bunnyburrow, she can’t help but reflect on the fleeting nature of her own endeavors to effect change. Her parents, attuned to her concerns, offer words of comfort as a pie truck arrives at the scene. The driver, none other than the grown Gideon Grey (whom Judy had previously crossed paths with), emerges from the vehicle, his presence marked by an air of contrition. Judy’s parents reveal that they have partnered with Gideon, a partnership they would not have entertained without Judy’s earlier influence.

Gideon approaches Judy, offering a heartfelt apology for his past transgressions, confessing that his own insecurities had festered into unchecked anger. Judy, however, chooses to extend forgiveness, acknowledging that she too has been guilty of being “a jerk” in her time. The tense moment is briefly interrupted by the arrival of a group of rambunctious bunny children, who dash through the nearby field with abandon. Judy’s father cautions them to steer clear of the Midnicampum holicithias, a peculiar phenomenon that has been observed at the edge of their property.

Gideon chimes in, offering his own colorful description of the flowers: “night howlers,” he calls them. Judy’s eyes light up with recognition as her father explains the properties of the blooms. These night howlers, it seems, possess a curious ability to repel pests, but they also hold a darker secret – their toxic nature can drive animals to behave savagely. The revelation sends a shiver down Judy’s spine, as she begins to grasp the true extent of the mystery that has been unfolding in Bunnyburrow.

As Judy hurtles back to Zootopia in the truck, a sense of urgency propels her towards a crucial revelation. Finnick’s guidance leads her to Nick, who’s basking in the warm sunlight beside a tranquil bridge. Judy’s sudden appearance catches him off guard, but she wastes no time in unloading the truth about the enigmatic night howlers. However, instead of the expected response, Nick walks away, leaving Judy feeling desperate and deflated.

Undeterred, Judy makes a heartfelt apology to Nick, acknowledging her past mistakes and revealing her vulnerable side by admitting to being “a dumb bunny” as he had once teased. The usually stoic Nick doesn’t flinch, but after replaying the recording of their conversation on Judy’s pen recorder, he offers a hint of a smile before agreeing to erase the evidence after 48 hours.

With her burden lifted, Judy and Nick climb into the truck, where they share a moment of levity as Nick indulges in Judy’s prized blueberries. As they drive through the city, Judy proudly displays a photo of the Weaselton thief she had apprehended earlier - Duke Weaselton, notorious for his illicit activities. Their investigation leads them to a street corner where Duke is hawking bootleg DVDs, including “Wrangled”, “Pig Hero 6”, and “Meowana”.

Judy confronts Duke, demanding answers about the mysterious night howler flower bulbs. However, he remains tight-lipped, prompting Judy and Nick to exchange knowing glances before taking their suspect into custody.

Their destination is none other than Mr. Big’s lair, where they’re met with a surprise: a very pregnant Fru Fru, who reveals she’s carrying Judy’s godchild - a prospect that has her feeling both thrilled and overwhelmed. As Duke faces off against the formidable Mr. Big, he’s forced to reconsider his stance when reminded of the powerful connections at play. On the brink of being “iced”, Duke relents, revealing that he had sold the night howler bulbs to Doug, a ram operating out of an abandoned rail station.

Nick and Judy venture beneath the city streets, following cryptic directions to a decrepit subway car that seems frozen in time. They slip aboard, where they find Doug (Rich Moore) donning a bright yellow jumpsuit as he meticulously tends to rows of blue flowers. His focus is on extracting a precious serum from the blooms, carefully packaging it into delicate pellets. As his phone rings, interrupting the sterile atmosphere, Doug answers with a hint of menace, revealing that his next target is a cheetah residing in the scorching Sahara Square. He confidently assures his caller that he’s capable of making the hit, citing his previous success in capturing an otter mid-car chase. With a briefcase containing his lethal arsenal in hand, Doug steps out to answer a knock at the rear of the car, claiming it’s just Woolter and Jesse returning with a fresh pot of coffee.

Meanwhile, Judy seizes the opportunity to strike, knocking Doug unconscious and locking the door behind him. She turns to Nick, issuing orders to get the train moving. With some creative problem-solving, they manage to coax the ancient vehicle into motion, gradually picking up speed as it hurtles through the tunnel. Judy’s determination to deliver crucial evidence to police headquarters remains unwavering, even as a pair of rams suddenly leap onto the car, sending Jesse tumbling off the side as he clings desperately to the wall – leaving him with a telltale pink patch on his belly from the close shave. Woolter, undeterred by the chaos, bullies his way to the front of the train as they burst out into the open air.

However, their temporary reprieve is short-lived, as another oncoming train looms in the distance. Judy urges Nick to accelerate, and with a swift kick, she diverts Woolter’s attention to a crucial switch just in time. But as they round the next curve, the train’s momentum proves too great, and it careens off the tracks, derailing into an abandoned station. As the friction builds, the car erupts into flames, sending Judy and Nick leaping onto the platform to watch as their evidence – or what’s left of it – goes up in a blaze of glory. In the aftermath, Judy is convinced that all hope is lost, only for Nick to produce the briefcase containing the gun, its deadly payload intact.

Here is a rephrased version of the section:

As they burst into the Natural History Museum, Judy (Judy Hopps) and Nick (Nick Wilde) find themselves in an eerie silence, the only sound being the distant hum of construction equipment. Their brief respite from chaos is disrupted by Mayor Bellwether’s commanding voice, accompanied by two sheep in police attire. Bellwether praises Judy for uncovering the truth behind the predator conspiracy, but Judy’s skepticism is piqued as she wonders aloud how her nemesis knew where to find them. As they edge toward the exit, their escape route is blocked by the disheveled Woolter, who reveals the shocking truth: Bellwether was the mastermind behind the plot all along.

Judy and Nick make a hasty retreat down a deserted corridor, Judy’s haste leading her to collide with a protruding mammoth tusk, leaving her leg wounded. Nick quickly springs into action, producing a handkerchief from his pocket that promptly bursts forth with blueberries, and he applies a makeshift bandage to Judy’s injury. However, Judy insists on continuing without him, acknowledging she’s unable to walk. As they ponder their next move, surrounded by the eerie silence of the museum, Bellwether calls out to Judy, touting the city’s predator-to-prey ratio: 10 to 1. He posits that if the prey unite against the more powerful and loud predators, they will be unstoppable.

Undeterred, Judy and Nick make a break for it, but their escape is short-lived as Bellwether retrieves the briefcase and trains his gun on them. With a burst of blue solution, Nick’s neck begins to tremble, and Bellwether feigns alarm, claiming Officer Judy is under attack by a savage fox. Judy remains unyielding, refusing to back down even as Nick advances on her, growling menacingly. Bellwether insists that fear will always be the most potent force, and with predators predisposed to savagery, they can be forced out of Zootopia.

Just as all hope seems lost, Nick lunges at Judy, his jaws snapping shut around her neck before releasing her. In a dramatic flourish, Judy dons a convincing performance, playing on Bellwether’s fears. As the mayor backs away in horror, Judy and Nick reveal their cunning plan: they had swapped out the serum in Bellwether’s gun with blueberries, and recorded his incriminating words on Judy’s pen recorder. The responding ZPD arrives to find Bellwether frozen in shock, ultimately leading to his arrest.

As the news broadcasts unfold, it becomes clear that Bellwether’s sinister plot to unleash chaos upon Zootopia has finally been exposed. The former Mayor, Lionheart, takes a moment to reflect on his past decisions, acknowledging that his actions, although misguided, were motivated by a desire to protect the city. Meanwhile, a breakthrough in medical research is announced, as an antidote is successfully created and begins to show positive effects.

Months later, Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin), now wiser and more experienced, takes to the stage at the police academy’s graduation ceremony. Addressing the newly minted officers, including the charismatic Nick Wilde (Shane Richie), she shares a poignant reminder: that real life is often messy and complicated, despite our best efforts to create idealized slogans or utopias. She implores them to recognize their limitations and mistakes, but also to use these imperfections as opportunities for growth and connection.

As the ceremony concludes, Nick makes his way onto the stage, where Judy pins a police badge on his lapel. The next day, Chief Bogo assigns the unlikely duo of Judy and Nick to tackle a particularly pesky case: a hot-rodding menace tearing up the streets of downtown Zootopia. As they patrol the roads in their sleek cruiser, they finally track down the speeder - none other than Flash, the lovable but mischievous sloth.

As they apprehend Flash, Judy and Nick can’t help but be charmed by his sly grin. The credits roll as Gazelle (Shakira) takes to the stage at a star-studded concert in Zootopia, performing her empowering anthem ‘Try Everything’ to an audience that’s missing only one notable figure: Bellwether, who watches from behind bars, still plotting her next move.