Credit: Disney Parks BlogDisney Theatrical Productions is stepping into the world of live theater with an exciting new project: a stage adaptation of the animated film Zootopia. Announced through an Equity audition notice, the new musical version of the beloved 2016 film is set to be a 90-minute production, with a professional LORT (League of Resident Theatres) debut planned. Disney is also looking ahead, with plans to make the musical available for both professional and amateur licensing in the future.
Zootopia Sets Sights on Broadway
This new adaptation will bring the vibrant world of Zootopia to life through live performances. The creative team includes a book by Sara Wordsworth, with music and lyrics penned by Jaheem Toombs, alongside contributions from Matte Martinez. Connor Gallagher has been tapped to direct, and the music will be supervised by Ian Weinberger, known for his work on various high-profile theatrical projects. C12 Casting is handling the casting process for the show, ensuring that the characters of Zootopia are brought to life by talented performers.
The Zootopia musical is currently in the development stage, with auditions scheduled for Friday, September 19, 2025, at Ripley-Grier Studios in New York City. The roles being cast for this production include key characters from the animated film, such as Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, Dawn Bellwether, and Chief Bogo, giving theatergoers the chance to see these iconic characters on stage.
A stage musical adaption of ‘ZOOTOPIA’ is in the works at Disney.
(via https://t.co/kFFto4pHuh) pic.twitter.com/QTnaZ54GhB
— Cosmic Marvel (@cosmic_marvel) September 9, 2025
A New Chapter
For Disney fans, this marks an exciting next step in the company’s long history of adapting its animated classics into live performances. The film Zootopia itself was a monumental success when it premiered in 2016. Directed by Byron Howard and Rich Moore, with Jared Bush as co-director, Zootopia quickly became a fan favorite. Starring Ginnifer Goodwin as Judy Hopps, Jason Bateman as Nick Wilde, and Idris Elba as Chief Bogo, the film explored themes of prejudice, diversity, and inclusion through a world of anthropomorphic animals. Zootopia grossed over $1 billion worldwide and earned numerous accolades, including the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
With a talented creative team and a story that resonated with audiences, the new stage adaptation of Zootopia looks set to bring this cherished tale to a whole new audience. As preparations for the production continue, fans can look forward to the live theatrical experience of this beloved animated film, and perhaps even some fresh surprises as it makes its way to the stage.