The release of the new Disney+ series Zootopia+ is a welcome return to the fantastic, colorful, and fanciful world so beautifully evoked and depicted in the original movie. In a series of shorts, viewers are reintroduced to Zootopia and its various denizens, expanding on their arcs that aren't exclusive to being around Judy and Nick.
While Judy and Nick graced most of the screen time in the original Disney movie, Zootopia+ allowed the supporting characters to shine in their own spotlight. This is a testament that the Zootopia world is wide and intriguing, and these anthropomorphic characters also have interesting stories at a personal level.
Bonnie Hopps
Obviously, Judy is one of the most beloved characters in the original movie, so it makes sense that her parents would make an appearance in the spin-off series. It’s easy to see where Judy gets her charisma from because her mother is just as lovable and kind and bubbly as her daughter.
Just as importantly, she is also the type of bunny who will not let her children get into danger without doing everything she can to save them. This is yet another trait that her daughter inherits since Judy is someone who truly does care about the welfare of others.
Stu Hopps
Bonnie and Stu are the perfect Disney couple. It’s clear from the moment that they appear on the screen that they are truly a match made in heaven, and it is evident in the love they have for both one another and for their children (including Judy).
What’s more, Stu also proves to be his wife’s perfect sidekick as they set out to rescue Molly (who has absconded on the train, taking Judy to Zootopia). Fortunately for both of them, they manage to succeed in their mission, even though she does manage to get away from them again.
Fru-Fru
One of the things that many viewers wanted to see in this series was more time with Fru-Fru, and they got their wish. "The Real Rodents of Little Rodentia" is focused on her forthcoming nuptials, as well as her frenemy and cousin Tru-Tru.
There is a Real Housewives quality to this episode that is really quite delightful. While Fru-Fru might have some significant issues with her cousin, the two ultimately come to realize just how much their bond means to them, and so it ends up being far more feel-good than is usually the case with the Real Housewives.
Flash
Flash the sloth has become one of the most beloved Disney characters. Given how iconic he was in the original Zootopia, it makes sense that he would also make an appearance in the TV series, where his arrival at a restaurant, alongside his beloved Priscilla, causes quite a bit of consternation for their server.
Though the episode, "Dinner Rush," is obviously played for laughs, there is something genuinely touching about the love between Flash and Priscilla. Moreover, the viewer also learns that, like so many other residents of Zootopia, Flash is quite an avid fan of the pop phenomenon that is Gazelle.
Mr. Big
One of Zootopia+'s best episodes focuses on Mr. Big, the godfather-like figure who is Fru-Fru’s father. During his daughter’s nuptials, he provides a fascinating story about how he came to be the powerful person that he is in the fabulous city of Zootopia.
It is, in part, a humorous spin on The Godfather. At the same time, however, it also reveals Mr. Big has actually played a major role in ensuring that the city is a better place for all of its citizens, no matter their physical size.
Duke Weaselton
Given that there are many great Disney musicals, it was probably inevitable that one of the shorts in Zootopia+ would fit into this model. An entire episode is a musical interlude in which Duke Weaselton reflects on the different paths that he might have taken rather than the life of crime he currently lives.
It’s a very amusing episode, and it has some very stunning bits of animation. Though he comes close to changing his ways, Weaselton ultimately decides that crime really does pay, but the episode makes sure the viewer continues to see him as a lovable scamp rather than an outright villain.
Officer Clawhauser
Officer Clawhauser is another beloved character in Zootopia. With his adoration for Gazelle and his appreciation for dance, it makes sense the episode,"So You Think You Can Prance," would focus on his efforts to become a backup dancer for his beloved pop star.
More importantly, his episode also allows him the chance to get closer to Chief Bogo who, it turns out, is also another Gazelle fan. The scenes of the two dancing together are some of the funniest in the entire limited series, with a light and deft touch that makes them enchanting to adults and children alike.
Chief Bogo
Chief Bogo is one of Idris Elba’s best roles. Though he likes to present himself as a tough-as-nails and no-nonsense police captain, in reality, there is a softer side to him, which comes out during the dance competition.
Furthermore, even though the competition turns out to be merely Office Clawhauser’s dream, the two nevertheless manage to share a brief moment in which they both acknowledge how much they love Gazelle. It gives the viewer a bit more appreciation of what makes Chief Bobo tick, making him more than just a stereotype.
Gazelle
Those who have seen Zootopia know that Gazelle is one of the most important pop stars in this fictional world. Voiced by none other than Shakira, it’s easy to see why she can cast such a spell over the many Zootopia residents.
In Zootopia+, she gets another turn in the spotlight, but it is revealed that Office Clawhauser was dreaming about the competition to become a backup dancer. Even though she is just a figment of his imagination, the series still allows the viewer a little more time with the glamorous Disney star.
Priscilla
Kristen Bell has been in many notable roles, and she lends her voice to Priscilla, the love interest of the sloth Flash. Like him, she has a very slow manner of speaking and moving, which causes no small amount of frustration for their otter server at the restaurant.
Even though she doesn’t say much, there is still something irresistibly charming about this particular character. There is an undeniable affection between Flash and Priscilla, and it is really quite charming to see the both of them together again.