The 5 Reasons Why Judy And Nick Need To Get Together In Zootopia 2

The 5 Reasons Why Judy And Nick Need To Get Together In Zootopia 2

If the success of Zootopia brings a sequel, Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde's relationship will have to be defined.
Vi Schap
Vi Schap Aug 16, 2016
11214
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Disney made history for their animated films in the past few years tackling: the first black princess and an interracial marriage on the big screen with "The Princess and the Frog" (2009); having the protagonist female fight against marriage and end up alone in "Brave" (2012); promoting sisterly love and being anti-'love at first sight' in "Frozen" (2013); and upcoming film "Moana" (2016) which Disney has highly advertised as having no love interest. In line with this list, brings "Zootopia" (2016), where online fandoms and commenters have argued over the relationship of protagonist Judy Hopps and just as featured main character Nick Wilde. The ending is somewhat ambiguous, where the two share this exchange:

Nick: "You know you love me."

Judy: "Do I know that? Yes, yes I do."

Is there a possible sequel in store for "Zootopia" fans? And which fandom will win the battle between platonic and romantic love? Until the creators officially make these decisions, we can only speculate, but ultimately having Nick and Judy get together may just be the type of groundbreaking move that Disney needs.

The main reason for those wishing for Judy and Nick to stay platonic is simply that the public is craving a male-female friendship that does not end in romance. And so far, Disney has not shown many examples of this. For those yearning a platonic relationship between Judy and Nick, revisit Toy Story 2 and 3. Although Jessie and Buzz do end up together in the third movie, this Pixar film broke ground by not coupling the cowboy Woody and cowgirl Jessie, letting them remain close friends. It indeed would be monumental for Disney to present viewers a new close opposite gendered bond that only stays friends, even when they could be easily written as romantic interests. And Disney should do that soon...but not with "Zootopia."

What a "Zootopia" sequel could accomplish is an array of other big ticket issues. The first movie handled topics like racism, sexism, and individuality. Here are the five revolutionary situations that the "Zootopia" franchise can tackle if they put Judy and Nick in a relationship:

1. Actually liking and being friends with their love interest

This is a huge one that Disney has failed to present so far in their animation. How many Disney princesses marry their love interest because of immediate attraction? Realistically, many relationships form out of friendship first, and those tend to work better in the long run because they actually like each other. Although Judy and Nick had a rocky start full of his wit and her blackmailing banter, they quickly became friends as the case unraveled. Losing him to her own her subconscious prejudice, brought Judy to tears. And later, she offered him the application to attend police academy and become a cop. This was a true sign that she felt completely safe with him and that she could stomach being around him every single day, together side-by-side. One has to wonder if Ariel and Cinderella got bored of their princes years after their whirlwind romance. "Zootopia" gives faith that Judy won't.

2. The Taboo of Interspecies Marriage

In 2013, outraged fans of the General Mills cereal, Cheerios, caused an uproar. Why? Because the company featured a Cheerios ad with an interracial family. Is America still prejudice? Considering the messages pushing for acceptance and fighting stereotypes, "Zootopia" proves we still need to learn this lesson. And what a better way to conquer that than interspecies marriage! Even the directors said that they had planned interspecies couples, but had no room to add them in the final cut of the movie. Judy's parents were so adamant that foxes are killers, that they gave her fox spray before going to "Zootopia." Even though at the end they had partnered businesses with the neighborhood fox, how would they react to her daughter dating one? With only being shown a bunny couple and otter couple, one can assume that interspecies marriage is somewhat uncommon. It is 2016, and children should be exposed and taught that interracial marriage is normal and common. This lesson is way too easy to slip into "Zootopia" to be ignored.

3. A Predator/Prey relationship that doesn't end like Twilight

"And so the lion fell in love with the lamb." Which turned out to be all good and dandy...except that Edward and Bella's power balance was completely off, so much so that it even inspired a fanfiction turned erotic novel based on S&M. Teaching the importance of a balanced relationship is severely neglected in movies recently. Being able to confide in your love interest and not feeling "below" them, is a healthy trait being dropped from children and teen plots.

Feminists have said that Disney has not shown enough powerful women, citing movies like "Sleeping Beauty," or only shown women being involved as a love interest, citing movies similar to "Aladdin." Disney has responded to this outcry with productions like "Brave" and "Lilo & Stitch," respectively. Judy Hopps would never let anyone, including a love interest, stop her from pursuing her dreams. Keeping Judy Hopps as a feisty, gung-ho, rabbit that does not let anyone stand in her way, is critical for a sequel and helps Disney better their feminist image.

There is no evidence to suggest that Judy and Nick have an unequal power balance at the end of the film. This is a perfect chance for a children's movie that provides the audience with a healthy relationship, even if they are predator and prey. With the knight in shining armour troupe and the vampire obsession coming to a close, it is time for some healthy, balanced relationships to be seen onscreen.

To add to this, one of the early drafts originally had Judy gunning for a higher position at the ZPD. In a sequel, with her success rate she could work her way up the ranks to chief of police. Undertaking the complicated situation of being married to a coworker, or employee, it would be an interesting turn to see Judy and Nick try to maintain their harmonious balance without jealousy or workplace issues. Although a more difficult subject to deal with, the writers have accomplished so much already in "Zootopia," that in a sequel, this complex plot could be simplified and full of laughter.

4. Adoption

"Lilo & Stitch" brought the heartwarming tale of a broken family, where two sisters beat the odds despite tragically losing their entire family. Familial relationships are just as important to show to impressionable kids. However, even though Disney is famous for having movies following the non-traditional and nuclear families, the subject of adoption is not often touched. There are many couples that cannot conceive, and with the legalization of gay marriage, adoption is now even more prominent, and therefore is overdue for more Disney movies. Adoption is a touchy subject, often having parents wondering what the best way to explain it to their children is. With choosing to have Judy, a bunny, and Nick, a fox, settle down and wish to have kids, the adoption subject comes up rather smoothly. We all would love to see some "funnies" and "boxes" but maybe in the "Zootopia" universe, interspecies couples cannot have kids. What a better way to show that adopted children can still be loved and cherished as any other child, than by our two lovable protagonists.

5. Not Making the Movie Completely Based Around Their Relationship

To all those wishing Judy and Nick will stay simply as good friends, may I offer a compromise? "Zootopia" was hardly a lovey-dovey movie, and the sequel should follow suit. If Judy and Nick date, get married, adopt--that should stay a subplot. Seeing their relationship escalate, maybe with a funny wedding toast, would be a nice opener to "Zootopia 2." But just like Judy following her dreams of becoming the first bunny cop, her personality would not allow for the abandonment of her ambitious ways just for love. And with Nick completely changing his life around from con artist to cop, it would be unlikely that he would give that up either. Judy and Nick, even if parents, would still go on daily adventures and work hard at cracking their next case, side by side.

There is a way for everyone to be happy, allowing new lessons to be taught to the impressionable youth, and keeping the playful banter of our beloved rabbit and fox. As Judy said, "real life is a little bit messy," and if we were to ignore that life happens and people fall in love, get married, have kids, it would be a lie. So let us just agree that Judy and Nick make a good team and see where life takes us.

Cover Image Credit: MTV
Vi Schap
Vi Schap Aug 16, 2016
At University of California, Santa Barbara

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8 Reasons Why My Dad Is the Most Important Man In My Life

Forever my number one guy.
Sydney Kofron
Sydney Kofron Mar 29, 2016
46760
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Growing up, there's been one consistent man I can always count on, my father. In any aspect of my life, my dad has always been there, showing me unconditional love and respect every day. No matter what, I know that my dad will always be the most important man in my life for many reasons.

1. He has always been there.

Literally. From the day I was born until today, I have never not been able to count on my dad to be there for me, uplift me and be the best dad he can be.

2. He learned to adapt and suffer through girly trends to make me happy.

I'm sure when my dad was younger and pictured his future, he didn't think about the Barbie pretend pageants, dressing up as a princess, perfecting my pigtails and enduring other countless girly events. My dad never turned me down when I wanted to play a game, no matter what and was always willing to help me pick out cute outfits and do my hair before preschool.

3. He sends the cutest texts.

Random text messages since I have gotten my own cell phone have always come my way from my dad. Those randoms "I love you so much" and "I am so proud of you" never fail to make me smile, and I can always count on my dad for an adorable text message when I'm feeling down.

4. He taught me how to be brave.

When I needed to learn how to swim, he threw me in the pool. When I needed to learn how to ride a bike, he went alongside me and made sure I didn't fall too badly. When I needed to learn how to drive, he was there next to me, making sure I didn't crash.

5. He encourages me to best the best I can be.

My dad sees the best in me, no matter how much I fail. He's always there to support me and turn my failures into successes. He can sit on the phone with me for hours, talking future career stuff and listening to me lay out my future plans and goals. He wants the absolute best for me, and no is never an option, he is always willing to do whatever it takes to get me where I need to be.

6. He gets sentimental way too often, but it's cute.

Whether you're sitting down at the kitchen table, reminiscing about your childhood, or that one song comes on that your dad insists you will dance to together on your wedding day, your dad's emotions often come out in the cutest possible way, forever reminding you how loved you are.


7. He supports you, emotionally and financially.

Need to vent about a guy in your life that isn't treating you well? My dad is there. Need some extra cash to help fund spring break? He's there for that, too.

8. He shows me how I should be treated.

Yes, my dad treats me like a princess, and I don't expect every guy I meet to wait on me hand and foot, but I do expect respect, and that's exactly what my dad showed I deserve. From the way he loves, admires, and respects me, he shows me that there are guys out there who will one day come along and treat me like that. My dad always advises me to not put up with less than I deserve and assures me that the right guy will come along one day.

For these reasons and more, my dad will forever be my No. 1 man. I love you!

Sydney Kofron
Sydney Kofron Mar 29, 2016
At University of Arizona

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From One Nerd To Another

My contemplation of the complexities between different forms of art.

Flannery Brown
Flannery Brown Apr 18, 2019
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Aside from reading Guy Harrison's guide to eliminating scientific ignorance called, "At Least Know This: Essential Science to Enhance Your Life" and, "The Breakthrough: Immunotherapy and the Race to Cure Cancer" by Charles Graeber, an informative and emotional historical account explaining the potential use of our own immune systems to cure cancer, I read articles and worked on my own writing in order to keep learning while enjoying my winter break back in December. I also took a trip to the Guggenheim Museum.


I wish I was artistic. Generally, I walk through museums in awe of what artists can do. The colors and dainty details simultaneously inspire me and remind me of what little talent I posses holding a paintbrush. Walking through the Guggenheim was no exception. Most of the pieces are done by Hilma af Klint, a 20th-century Swedish artist expressing her beliefs and curiosity about the universe through her abstract painting. I was mostly at the exhibit to appease my mom (a K - 8th-grade art teacher), but as we continued to look at each piece and read their descriptions, I slowly began to appreciate them and their underlying meanings.


I like writing that integrates symbols, double meanings, and metaphors into its message because I think that the best works of art are the ones that have to be sought after. If the writer simply tells you exactly what they were thinking and how their words should be interpreted, there's no room for imagination. An unpopular opinion in high school was that reading "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne was fun. Well, I thought it was. At the beginning of the book, there's a scene where Hawthorne describes a wild rosebush that sits just outside of the community prison. As you read, you are free to decide whether it's an image of morality, the last taste of freedom and natural beauty for criminals walking toward their doom, or a symbol of the relationship between the Puritans with their prison-like expectations and Hester, the main character, who blossoms into herself throughout the novel. Whichever one you think it is doesn't matter, the point is that the rosebush can symbolize whatever you want it to. It's the same with paintings - they can be interpreted however you want them to be.


As we walked through the building, its spiral design leading us further and further upwards, we were able to catch glimpses of af Klint's life through the strokes of her brush. My favorite of her collections was one titled, "Evolution." As a science nerd myself, the idea that the story of our existence was being incorporated into art intrigued me. One piece represented the eras of geological time through her use of spirals and snails colored abstractly. She clued you into the story she was telling by using different colors and tones to represent different periods. It felt like reading "The Scarlet Letter" and my biology textbook at the same time. Maybe that sounds like the worst thing ever, but to me it was heaven. Art isn't just art and science isn't just science. Aspects of different studies coexist and join together to form something amazing that will speak to even the most untalented patron walking through the museum halls.

Flannery Brown
Flannery Brown Apr 18, 2019
At Fordham University

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