Ever since Yellowstone ended back in December 2024, I’ve been seeking out every cowboy story and Taylor Sheridan project I can in an attempt to fill that void. And I never thought a Disney movie would be the key to scratching that itch.
Zootopia 2 made waves upon its release, with the sequel to the 2016 flick becoming Disney’s highest-grossing animated movie of all time. I’d say it’s pretty deserving of that success, too. The film improves on its predecessor in every way, with great character development for Judy and Nick, an enthralling story, and the introduction of the loveable Gary De’Snake.
Still, how could an animated film about a pair of anthropomorphic animal cops be at all connected to a show about cowboys? Turns out, they’re far more similar than you’d ever imagine.
Zootopia 2 Tackles a Serious Socio-Political Issue
While Gary the blue viper is a fun new character to throw into this world, Zootopia 2 also has a strong message to send, thanks to the reptile population it brings into focus. Not only are perceptions about reptiles challenged, but a more far-reaching, very human issue comes to the fore as well.
Without giving away the entire plot for anyone who hasn’t seen Zootopia 2 yet, the case Judy and Nick are trying to solve hinges on the planned development of the land around Reptile Ravine. The wealthy, greedy Lynxley clan have long encroached onto the reptile’s territory, while vilifying them and spreading propaganda to turn the rest of the animal kingdom against snakes and their scaly neighbours.
It’s a thought-provoking topic that runs through the heart of this crime caper for kids, and one that mirrors so many prevalent real-world issues today that have plagued mankind for generations.
How Yellowstone Mirrors Zootopia 2
That’s where Yellowstone comes in. The Kevin Costner-led drama series is often more soap opera than crime-thriller, but the show consistently addresses the historical issue of indigenous people being displaced by modern, capitalistic expansion.
The Native Americans represented in Yellowstone are not shallow stereotypes shoehorned into the story for dramatic effect; they are rich, layered characters who signify Sheridan’s immense respect and empathy for the culture and his clear desire to educate himself and others about the people affected. While it’s the Dutton family who lead the show, some of the most emotionally impactful moments arise from the trials and tribulations of the indigenous tribes.
I wasn’t immediately hooked by Zootopia 2’s story, I have to admit. But I underestimated the Disney movie. As soon as Jesús, the basilisk lizard voiced by Danny Trejo, started talking about the history of the reptiles and how they’ve been mistreated, I was locked in. It probably helped that he was dressed like a cowboy, I’m not going to lie.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve got kids or not; if you’re pining for something like Yellowstone, I urge you to give Zootopia 2 a watch. It’s obviously lighter in tone, but it’s a surprising and very worthy supplement to that neo-Western world.
Other Movies & Shows to Watch if You’re Missing Yellowstone
If you’re like me, though, Zootopia 2 won’t be enough. Thankfully, there are plenty of TV shows like Yellowstone to keep you occupied for the long haul.
Even just in Taylor Sheridan’s portfolio, you’ve got things like Sons of Anarchy – a show he also featured in as an actor – that addresses the theme of territorial conflict and the idea of brotherhood. The only difference is they swap out horses for motorcycles.
I’m currently obsessed with his latest show, Landman, as well. It’s all about the oil industry, which is interesting enough, but then you throw in the family drama element that Sheridan so wonderfully captures with his blend of brash chaos and moments of levity, and it’s so obvious that the man has struck gold once again.
For slightly more left-field options, you’d be amazed at how Yellowstone-adjacent the likes of Succession and Game of Thrones are. Problematic families, corruption and greed-fueled power plays, shocking deaths; they’ve got it all. Hell, Game of Thrones even has horses, if that’s the main pull for you. The sun may have set on Yellowstone, but the journey doesn’t have to end there!
