The clip is one of several bonus features available on the digital and physical releases of the film. Zootopia 2 deleted scene reveals the film's original beginning (exclusive) The clip is one of several bonus features available on the digital and physical releases of the film. By Lauren Huff :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/PXL202501060627063092a245c0a56a194868af7b6a47af56223c.jpg) Lauren Huff Lauren Huff is an awardwinning journalist and staff writer at with over 12 years of experience covering all facets of the entertainment industry. EW's editorial guidelines January 26, 2026 3:00 p.m.

The clip is one of several bonus features available on the digital and physical releases of the film.

Zootopia 2 deleted scene reveals the film's original beginning (exclusive)

The clip is one of several bonus features available on the digital and physical releases of the film.

By Lauren Huff

Lauren Huff

Lauren Huff is an award-winning journalist and staff writer at ** with over 12 years of experience covering all facets of the entertainment industry.

EW's editorial guidelines

January 26, 2026 3:00 p.m. ET

Leave a Comment

The opening moments of *Zootopia 2* almost looked very different.

In a deleted scene from the film, which ** can exclusively reveal above, co-directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard explain the change before showing the original beginning.

"In the final film, we open up our movie by looking back at where we left off with Judy and Nick in the first film," Bush explains. "But in this early version, we began on a boat with a band of smuggling schemers being paid to bring something to town. The twist is that what they were smuggling in was actually a mysterious snake."

Bush continues, "Ultimately, that scene did not fit within the overall structure of our film, but it was really fun to explore, and we are now excited to share it with you."

Jared Bush and Byron Howard attend the world premiere of 'Zootopia 2' on Nov. 13, 2025.

Jesse Grant/Getty

The deleted scene begins in a foggy night at sea, on a massive ship helmed by various rodents.

One is reading a newspaper with articles about the upcoming 200th Zootennial Celebration and a headline reading, "How the Founding Families Created Four Seasons in One City," all of which foreshadow later moments in the final film.

This rodent receives a text message with a strange symbol, prompting him to ask, "Is it all there?" He then opens up a briefcase to find smaller rodents swimming in cash, who inform him that they counted all the money twice. It's all very ominous until they start throwing a little rodent party to celebrate all of their new wealth.

Gary De'Snake, Nick Wilde, Judy Hopps, and Nibbles Maplestick are on the case in 'Zootopia 2'.

Unbeknownst to them, while they're celebrating, a mysterious figure clad in all black has knocked one of the shipping containers off the ship and into the water. On shore, the figure opens the container to reveal a snake, and the two jet off together, presumably toward the Zootennial gala.

The clip is one of several deleted scenes and bonus features that fans can enjoy on the digital and physical release of the film. *Zootopia 2* arrives Jan. 27 on Digital platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. The im-paw-fect partners' undercover escapades continue with the film's arrival on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on March 3.

See the new 'Zootopia 2' cast compared to the critters they voice

How Ke Huy Quan brought his post-Oscar joy to 'goofy' Gary De'Snake in 'Zootopia 2' (exclusive)

Ultimately, as the directors alluded to, *Zootopia 2* actually picks up right where the first film left off: With bunny Judy (Ginnifer Goodwin) and fox Nick (Jason Bateman) still getting used to being partners in the Zootopia Police Department (ZPD). Their new partnership is put to the ultimate test when they find themselves on the twisting trail of a mystery tied to the arrival of a venomous snake in the animal metropolis.

***Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter.***

******Like its predecessor, *Zootopia 2* could not be tamed at the box office. In addition to overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics, the film grossed $1.657 billion worldwide, making it the third-highest-grossing animated film, the second-highest-grossing film of 2025, and the eleventh-highest-grossing film of all time. It's also been nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 2026 Oscars.**

- Animated Movies

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW Animated"

Read More

---

Source: Animated

Published: January 26, 2026 at 04:38PM on Source: OPERA MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle