Introduced at D23 Expo 2013, Walt Disney Animation Studios has now released its first Zootopia teaser trailer. Inviting audiences of all ages to explore the vast world of this new animal kingdom concocted by the House of Mouse, the concept bares similarities to Lisberger Studios’ 1980 film Animalympics. You know, that one movie where the animals were also anthropomorphic and competed against each other in their own Olympic games to show that although we are different, we can celebrate life and the importance of mutual respect.

And the Zootopia teaser trailer basically acknowledges the same direction. Proving that being different does not mean we must hate or fight one another, but it can bring us together to solve bigger problems. A message many of us could bear to comprehend more often.

The video is cute and playful, though it doesn’t provide any kind of story; just the conflict. Looking closely at each animal as they pass by, it’s funny to see a lion in a business suit or a rhino in full police gear or a sloth making its way to work – business must be slow for them.

(Click on the thumbnails below to begin the screenshot gallery)

Disney released early concept art of the Zootopia metropolis back in March:

A closer look (click to enlarge):

Here’s the official plot synopsis for Zootopia, courtesy of Walt Disney Animation Studios:

The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is 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 can be anything. But when optimistic Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) 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 (voice of Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery.

And here’s the original plot synopsis that was provided during D23 Expo; it adds a little more context to the one above:

In the animal city of Zootopia, a fast-talking fox who’s trying to make it big goes on the run when he’s framed for a crime he didn’t commit. Zootopia’s top cop, a self-righteous rabbit, is hot on his tail, but when both become targets of a conspiracy, they’re forced to team up and discover even natural enemies can become best friends.

Directed by Byron Howard and Rich Moore, Zootopia stars the voices of Jason Bateman and Ginnifer Goodwin. The film is set to release in theaters on March 4, 2016.

Source: Walt Disney Animation Studios