(The following article is from contributing writer JL Watkins) International superstarShakirais lending her Grammy-winning voice to Gazelle, the biggest pop star inDisney’sZootopia,D23 Expofans learned via a taped message fromShakiratoday.Ginnifer Goodwin(ABC’sOnce Upon a Time,Something Borrowed,Walk the Line), the voice of the film’s rookie rabbit officer Judy Hopps, saluted fans alongside directorsByron Howard(Tangled) andRich Moore(Wreck-It Ralph), and producer Clark Spencer (Wreck-It Ralph). Hilarious new scenes from the film were unveiled, plus a tease of the all-new original song, “Try Everything,” written by singer-songwriterSiaand songwriting duoStargate, and performed byShakira. Here’s what directorByron Howardhad to say about the casting in a statement.
“For the role of Gazelle,Zootopia’s most beloved superstar, there was only one person on our wish list:Shakira. Luckily for us, she said yes. Her immense talent and charm bring Gazelle and her song, ‘Try Everything,’ to life.”
The modern mammal metropolis ofZootopiais a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together-a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you may be anything. But when optimistic Officer Judy Hopps arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery.
Byron HowardandRich Mooredirect from a script by Jared Bush, with Clark Spencer serving as a producer. It isn’t known when Disney plans on releasing theZootopiafootage that was shown to the D23 crowd this weekend, so stay tuned for more updates. Disney released the first trailer from this animated movie back in June, so we’ll surely be treated to the second trailer in the weeks and months ahead.
The Gazelle role will markShakira’s feature film debut.Zootopiaopens nationwide August 10, 2025, going up against Sony’s comedyGrimsby, 20th Century Fox’sMiss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Childrenand Open Road Films’Triple Nine. Take a look at our videos featuring highlights from theZootopiaD23 panel, along with interviews with star Ginnifer Goodwin, directorsByron HowardandRich Mooreand producer Clark Spencer.
