Zootopia 2 Director Confirms Hidden Moana Connection With Clue That Sets Up the Sequel

Sometimes movie trivia is weirder than fiction, and the latest tidbit from 'Zootopia 2' is definitely one for people who like to know how the sausage is made. Apparently, the sequel has a surprise connection to 'Moana'—and no, it’s not another convoluted Disney shared universe theory, though I kind of wish it was.

Why There’s a Moana Cameo (Sort Of) in Zootopia 2

If you stuck around for the post-credits scene in 'Zootopia 2' (because of course you did), you probably caught a shot of Judy Hopps' famous carrot pen, with a feather dropping next to it. That’s a pretty big deal if you’ve been paying attention to Zootopia world-building—there haven’t been any birds at all in either movie.

So, what’s up with the feather? Here’s where things get interesting. Co-director (and Walt Disney Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer) Jared Bush spilled the beans on Twitter, admitting:

'A little trivia about this image. For this moment, we didn’t have time to build a bird, so the shadow that passes and this feather was borrowed from Moana. What character from Moana cast that shadow? Hawk Maui.'

Yep, due to some time pressure, the animators just yanked a feather asset straight from 'Moana'. Not just any 'Moana' character either. Remember when Maui turns into a giant hawk after getting his fancy magical fish hook back? That’s the model they used for the feather and the passing shadow.

Is this a secret way of saying that demi-god birds exist in Zootopia? Absolutely not (unless Disney wants to get really weird with sequels). But it’s kind of hilarious that the most eagle-eyed Zootopia fans have technically spotted a Moana cameo by the back door.

Fans Are Buzzing About Birds in Zootopia, and There’s Even More to It

This random feather is not just a cute in-joke for Disney animators. It actually has fans debating the rules of the universe, since Zootopia never had birds—just mammals and, in the sequel, some reptiles.

And, of course, the animators couldn’t resist dropping an extra cryptic clue. Here’s the weirdest bit, in case you missed it: midway through the movie, there’s a post-it stuck on the ZPD’s WIFI hub with the text:

• P@Rt3izFr&BrdZr2

Deciphering this comes out to something like: 'Part 3 is for real, and birds are too.' So, not only did they sneak a borrowed Moana feather into the sequel, but they’re all but waving a flag that the next 'Zootopia' film (yeah, a third one) will add birds into the mix for real this time.

Honestly, can’t blame the animators for squeezing in whatever they could in a crunch. Also, good for them for having this much fun with their own Easter eggs—half the joy of these movies is chasing down this kind of random detail.

If you want to know all the best animated Disney movies (or just keep tabs on which animal kingdom is bleeding into the next), you know where to find us. And if 'Zootopia 3' shows up with a full flock of mutant Moana hawks, hey, you heard it here first.