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Why 'Zootopia' is Called 'Zootropolis' in UK
29 Jan
Summary
- Zootopia 2 received a BAFTA nomination for Animated Film.
- The film is known as Zootropolis 2 in European markets.
- A European trademark filed by Givskud Zoo caused the name change.
The animated sequel Zootopia 2, recently nominated for an Animated Film award at the 2026 British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs), is known by a different title in European markets. Audiences across Europe will recognize the film as Zootropolis 2. This rebranding occurred when the original Zootopia was released in 2016.
A spokesperson for Disney explained the name change in 2015, stating it was to provide a unique title specifically for U.K. audiences. This strategic decision to use 'Zootropolis' in the U.K. was made to differentiate the film. The underlying cause for this name divergence has been revealed to be a pre-existing trademark.
Records indicate that Denmark's Givskud Zoo filed a trademark for the term "Zootopia" within the European Union. This trademark was officially granted in February 2010 and is slated for renewal in April 2029. The timing of this trademark filing and its subsequent granting directly influenced the naming conventions for the film in European territories.
