# Birds Set To Join Disney Animated Universe As Third Zootopia Film Gets D23 Greenlight

> Disney has formally announced Zootopia 3 at the D23 Showcase, confirming the return of Judy Hopps and reptile character Gary DeSnake while expanding the animal metropolis to include birds.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Hollywood · **Published:** 2026-08-15 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/hollywood/disney-ke-d23-iventa-men-zootopia-3-para-lagi-muhara-enimeshana-sirija-men-hogi-pakshiyon-ki-nai-entri-17126 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Disney, Zootopia 3, D23 Expo, Animated Movie, Ginnifer Goodwin, Ke Huy Quan, Box Office

The vibrant animal metropolis of Zootopia is officially expanding once again. Following hints left at the conclusion of the second installment, Disney formally announced at the D23 Expo showcase in Anaheim that **Zootopia 3** is officially in development. The announcement comes on the heels of impressive financial success, as the 2025 sequel grossed an extraordinary $1.86 billion at the global box office.

## Feathered Characters Join the Animal Metropolis
Speculation regarding a third chapter began right at the end of _Zootopia 2_, where a single feather drifted down from the sky. That subtle teaser hinted at the existence of birds within the expansive city, known as Zootropolis in certain international regions. Much like how the second film expanded the franchise by introducing reptiles such as Gary DeSnake, the upcoming threequel will introduce feathered species into the animated world for the first time.

## Cast Announcements and Missing Characters
During the D23 Showcase in Anaheim, actors Ginnifer Goodwin and Ke Huy Quan appeared in person to present the project. Their attendance confirmed that both Judy Hopps and the reptile character Gary DeSnake will be returning for the third film. However, attendees noted that Jason Bateman was not mentioned, leaving the status of fan favorite fox Nick Wilde currently unclear. Additionally, Disney has not yet revealed who will direct the project.

## Disney Expands Its Threequel Franchise Roster
As one of Disney's most popular animated franchises in recent history, returning to the city of Zootopia reflects the studio's strategy of continuing its most successful stories. This announcement marks only the second time Disney Animation Studios has greenlit a third installment for a feature franchise, following the planned release of _Frozen III_ in 2027.

## What this means for you
**For Animation Fans:** The introduction of birds will expand the Zootopia universe with brand-new feathered characters.

**For Moviegoers:** Disney is aggressively building out its major franchises, promising big theatrical animated releases in the coming years.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. Is Zootopia 3 officially confirmed?
Yes, Disney officially confirmed at the D23 Expo in Anaheim that Zootopia 3 is currently in development.

### 2. Which new animals will be introduced in Zootopia 3?
The third film will introduce birds into the animal metropolis, following the feather teaser shown at the end of Zootopia 2.

### 3. Which actors are confirmed to return for Zootopia 3?
Ginnifer Goodwin as Judy Hopps and Ke Huy Quan as Gary DeSnake are confirmed to return for the third movie.

### 4. Will Nick Wilde return in Zootopia 3?
Disney did not mention Jason Bateman or his character Nick Wilde during the D23 announcement, leaving his involvement unconfirmed for now.

### 5. How much did Zootopia 2 earn at the global box office?
The 2025 sequel Zootopia 2 grossed an impressive $1.86 billion worldwide at the box office.

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