We are getting ready to revisit Zootopia! Zootopia 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the $1B grossing 2016 Disney Animated classic, is hitting theaters this month. While Geeks of Color teased a sneak peek at the film this past September, we only scratched the surface!
This month, leading up to the release of Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde’s new adventure, we’ll be bringing you interviews from the cast and crew of Zootopia 2 as we countdown to the film’s release. And we couldn’t be more pleased to bring to you our very first one: a conversation with legendary Oscar-winner, Ke Huy Quan, who plays Gary De’Snake in the new film. We were able to chat with him about what it was like to voice Gary, as well as the deeper meaning behind this installment and the allegories that made this incredible franchise a massive success!
Check out the interview with Ke Huy Quan below:
For me, what truly sets Zootopia apart from any other modern-day animated classic is that it speaks so profoundly about themes of racism, and marginalization, and the imperfections of society. And Zootopia 2 is going to continue this trend with the introduction of reptiles. So as Gary De’Snake, did you find yourself relating to Gary and his story, in a profound way as a Person of Color in the industry?
Ke Huy Quan: Oh wow! What a great question! First I love this character. Because as we all know, we have a conception of what snakes are like. A lot of us are afraid of them because we think of them as poisonous and bad and creepy. We want nothing to do with them. But what’s really incredible about Gary De’Snake is that having that experience anywhere you go, where you face bias and discrimination and prejudice, he still holds on to that kindness that he has. That sense of wonder and curiosity. He doesn’t turn negative or let it affect him in any way. That’s something that I’m inspired about with this character. And I just love what a big heart he has!
Can you talk about the challenges of being a human being playing a snake? And did you get to do any improv with your intonations or deliveries?
Quan: So one thing that I do is, when I stand in front of the big microphone, every line I do, I have to…[Quan makes a slithering motion]…No I’m just joking. It’s a very interesting process with voice acting because, and I know everybody hears this, there’s no interaction with other actors. You don’t quite know what’s going on because they only animate the scene you’re in after they record your lines. So there’s no visuals. So have to imagine what the scene is like. So for me, I put our faith in our directors, Jared Busch and Byron Howard. They’re really good at what they’re doing. They’re geniuses. They’ve won Oscars for their work. And just kind of look to them and get their approval. If they’re laughing or they’re nodding that’s the validation I needed. It’s a lot of fun, but also with voice acting you’re only half of the team. Your character is also dependent on the animators. What they bring to the table is just as important as what I bring as well. They’re in charge of the emotions, the facial expressions, the body movement, and all that. It’s challenging, but when you see the final product, see the movie it’s the most rewarding thing ever.
If you could live in any region of Zootopia possible, be it Tundratown, the Rainforest District, or the Marsh Market, what would you choose?
Quan: The Marsh Market! I love seafood!…I love fish! Seafood is great!
My final question to you is, in addition to speaking about topics of race and marginalization, Zootopia 2 is going to explore what happens when people in power rewrite history. That could be something that we want to pay attention to today. So what do you hope that society can learn from the cautionary allegory and themes of Zootopia 2?
Quan: You said it. Zootopia 2 reminds us of the importance of shared history, and the dangers of erasure. The story in the movie really begins when Gary De’Snake shows up, and Judy and Nick have to go on this journey to find out why reptiles have never set foot in Zootopia for more than 100 years. And it invites audiences to look beyond stereotypes and prejudices and biases and all of that to really see who we are as individuals. It touches on so many themes, and that’s what makes this movie so special. Regardless of everything, I just feel that if we approach everything with empahty, that’s a path forward. Empathy is the antidote to prejudice. Fear separates us. But if we spend enough time to understand each other’s experiences, that fear will give way to connection.
That is an amazing answer! I cannot wait for people to see Zootopia 2.
Zootopia 2 hits theaters November 26, 2025!