Since unveiling Zootopia alongside its upcoming maritime adventure, Moana, Disney has remained awfully quiet regarding the former animation. All we know is that each film has been scheduled for a release in 2016, and that the animal-centric tale will be helmed by Tangled director Byron Howard. But today, the illustrious studio unveiled a single piece of concept art for Zootopia that draws attention to the titular city.
Orbiting around a devious fox called Nick Wilde, Howard’s anticipated feature will see the quick witted vulpini forced to go on the run after he is framed for a crime he didn’t commit. A manhunt spearheaded by the wonderfully named bunny police officer, Lt. Judy Hops, is soon drawn up, though it isn’t long before the pair find themselves unlikely allies when a conspiracy puts both of their lives at risk.
All of this will be set within a world where humans never existed, allowing the animal kingdom to form an allegiance and build Zootopia from the ground up to be a safe haven for creatures big and small. Within these walls, the furry society has been divided into such sectors as Sahara Square, Little Rodentia, the Rainforest District and Burrow Burrough.
It’s a wonderful, light-hearted concept, and if the visual style is any indication, Disney may have a sure-fire hit on its hands with Howard’s latest.
The company has slated Zootopia for a release on March 4, 2016. Until then, you can get an early peek at the titular animal kingdom through the gallery below.
In the animal city of Zootopia, a fast-talking fox who’s trying to make it big goes on the run when he’s framed for a crime he didn’t commit. Zootopia’s top cop, a self-righteous rabbit, is hot on his tail, but when both become targets of a conspiracy, they’re forced to team up and discover even natural enemies can become best friends.
