Inspired by innovation and inspiration, Walt Disney Animation’s newest film “ZOOTOPIA” harkens back to Disney Animations renaissance of great talking animal films. Set to be released on March 4, 2016, Zootopia will take audiences to a world that we’ve never seen be-fur in the animal-centered and created world of Zootopia. Back in October of 2015, I had the crazy cool opportunity to talk to the filmmakers of Zootopia during what’s called a “long lead” press day (read more about that day here). We were shown clips of finished material and I had plenty of opportunities to candidly talk one-on-one with the filmmakers of Zootopia, I even believe I made quite a connection with them (perhaps I’m delusional haha)! But I mean, Byron Howard even RT my video tweet embedded below to all of his followers, pretty cool right?! Today, I would like to introduce you to the eclectic mix of characters that comprise what is sure to be the next big Walt Disney Animation Studios hit film! Now it’s time to meet the characters of Zootopia!

I would fit right in @Disney_Zootopia – a world imagined without any humans! #ZOOTOPIA will be in theaters in March! pic.twitter.com/HvTeFewCCC

— Desiree Eaglin (@DesireeEaglin) October 28, 2015

A World of Animals BIG and small

Directed by Byron Howard (“Tangled,” “Bolt”) and Rich Moore (“Wreck-It Ralph,” “The Simpsons”) and co-directed by Jared Bush (“Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero”), Zootopia was created on the premise that human’s never existed and the mammal metropolis was entirely designed by animals for animals. The city of Zootopia is comprised of neighborhoods that celebrate different cultures and climates. There’s ritzy Sahara Square for desert animals, chilly Tundratown for the polar bears and moose, the hot and humid Rain Forest District, Little Rodentia for the the tiniest mice, and Bunnyburrows for the millions and millions and millions of super fluffy bunnies. The downtown area, Savanna Central, is a melting pot where a wide array of mammals from every environment come together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything.

Judy Hopps

Judy Hopps – voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin is an optimistic bunny who’s new to Zootopia’s police department. Judy is upbeat, happy and determined to find happiness even against the toughest negative adversity. Judy Hopps represents what is good and pure about Zootopia and the city motto of “Anyone can be Anything”.

Nick Wilde

Nick Wilde – voiced by Jason Bateman is a scamming fox who Judy reluctantly teams up with to crack her first case. Nick is sly and clever and determined to make his way, even if “his way” requires stepping on a few people along the way. Nick Wilde represents what is sneaky and bad in Zootopia…but will this sly fox redo is bad ways in the name of love? Only seeing Zootopia on March 4th will decide!

Chief Bogo

Chief Bogo – voiced by Idris Elba is the head of the Zootopia Police Department. Chief Bogo is a tough cape buffalo with 2,000 lbs of attitude, Bogo is reluctant to add Judy Hopps, Zootopia’s first bunny cop, to his squad of hardened rhinos, elephants and hippos.

Benjamin Clawhauser

Benjamin Clawhauser – voiced by Nate Torrence is Zootopia’s Police Department’s most charming cheetah and Gazelle’s #1 fan.  From his reception desk, he greets everyone with a warm smile and a helpful paw—covered in sprinkles leftover from his daily donuts.

Mayor Lionheart

Mayor Lionheart -voiced by J.K. Simmons is Zootopia’s noble leader, who coined the city’s mantra that Judy Hopps lives by: “In Zootopia, anyone can be anything.”

Bonnie and Stu Hopps

Bonnie and Stu Hopps – voiced Bonnie Hunt and Don Lake are the mother and father of Judy Hopps and her 275 brothers and sisters. Mrs. Hopps loves and supports her daughter, but is a hare nervous about Judy moving to Zootopia to become a big-city police officer. Judy’s father, Stu Hopps is a carrot farmer from Bunnyburrow. Just like sweet Mrs. Hopps, he is worried about Judy moving to Zootopia and the untrustworthy big-city mammals who live there…especially sneaky foxes.

Flash

Flash – voiced by Raymond Persi is the fastest sloth working at the DMV—the Department of Mammal Vehicles. He provides a very…slow…comic relief in a tense Hopp situation!

Gazelle

Gazelle – voiced by Shakira is the gorgeous songtress that explefies the “anyone can be anything” motto of Zootopia.

Of COURSE there are tons of other amazing characters to be loved in Zootopia, but we don’t want to ruin the fun just yet!

Opens in Theaters Nationwide March 4th 2016

Zootopia opens in theaters on March 4, 2016. I’m dying to see it, aren’t you? For more information, check out the Official Zootopia Website and get up to date info on Facebook!