Shakira on Writing ‘Zootopia 2’s’ Anthem: ‘The Morals in This Film Are Timeless. I Hope the Song Reflects That’

For "Zootopia 2," the creative team turned once more to the metropolis's premier pop diva. Gazelle, voiced by international superstar Shakira, will perform a new original song called "Zoo" in the sequel. Directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard, who also helmed the 2016 original, recruited the artist to develop this fresh theme after her co-written track "Try Everything" became a defining hit of the first film.

Shakira collaborated with songwriter Ed Sheeran and producer Blake Slatkin to compose "Zoo," aiming for a track with universal resonance. "We wanted to create something about stopping to appreciate each other and the present, especially given today's fast-paced world," the singer noted. The song merges Latin pop with global rhythms, featuring uplifting lyrics set to an infectious beat. This continues Shakira's history of crafting culturally impactful music, exemplified by her 2010 FIFA World Cup anthem "Waka Waka," which sold over 10 million copies worldwide and remains one of the best-selling singles in history.

The track premieres during a pivotal gala scene in the now-released film. As officers Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) pursue a lead on the mysterious Gary De’Snake (Ke Huy Quan), Gazelle performs "Zoo" with her iconic tiger dancers, a moment of celebration that is swiftly disrupted. This mirrors the movie's deeper plot involving concealed communities and bias. Entertainment analysts point out that Shakira possesses a distinct ability to align music with cinematic storytelling; her previous work on "Try Everything" demonstrated how a film song can transcend its origins to become a global motivational anthem, a phenomenon the new track may well replicate.

Notably, Shakira created and recorded "Zoo" while navigating the demanding schedule of her ongoing world tour. She stressed that no aspect was left to chance. "Every component, from the lyricism to the final production, was deliberately designed to support the narrative," she explained. Director Jared Bush remembered the team's unanimous and immediate enthusiasm upon hearing the demo, calling it an undeniable triumph that encapsulated the sequel's core themes from the first listen.

The sequel's focus on cohesion and empathy resonated deeply with the artist. Shakira expressed her hope that "Zoo" reflects these perennial values, adding that its emphasis on shared happiness holds personal significance for her. The release extends a successful collaboration with Disney; "Try Everything" not only earned an Academy Award nomination but also achieved over a billion streams, solidifying its role in the original film's legacy of positive messaging. "Zoo" is positioned to build upon that foundation, aiming to provide another dynamic and unifying musical centerpiece for the next installment of the Zootopia saga.