The Unseen Tragedy And Triumph Of Finnick: 7 Shocking Facts About The Fennec Fox From Zootopia 2
The Fennec Fox from Zootopia, Finnick, is one of the most memorable and surprising supporting characters in modern Disney animation. Known for his tiny stature, massive ears, and surprisingly deep, gravelly voice, Finnick’s brief but impactful appearance as Nick Wilde’s con-artist partner immediately cemented his status as a fan favorite. As of late December 2025, the character is back in the spotlight with major, emotional news surrounding his confirmed return in the highly anticipated sequel, Zootopia 2, which promises to explore new facets of his personality and his evolving relationship with Nick.
The latest updates reveal a poignant tribute to the character’s original voice actor, ensuring that the unique charm of the diminutive fox will live on. This article dives deep into Finnick's biography, his iconic role in the first film, the surprising real-world controversy he sparked, and the confirmed, heart-wrenching details of his return to the big screen.
Finnick's Complete Zootopia Character Profile and Biography
Finnick is a supporting character in the Zootopia franchise, best known for his role in the "Con-Artist Duo" with Nick Wilde. His entire persona is built on the hilarious and effective juxtaposition of his adorable, small-mammal appearance and his hardened, cynical demeanor.
- Full Name: Finnick
- Species: Fennec Fox (a small nocturnal fox native to the Sahara Desert of North Africa)
- Gender: Male
- Occupation: Con-Artist (Formerly); Current occupation unknown but likely still involved in some form of "hustle"
- Affiliations: Nick Wilde (former business partner)
- First Appearance: Zootopia (2016)
- Voice Actor: Tom "Tiny" Lister Jr. (1958–2020)
- Key Quote: "You kiss me tomorrow, I'll bite your face off!"
- Physical Traits: Lithe, squat-bodied, tan fur with cream-colored accents, and disproportionately large ears, which are characteristic of his species.
Finnick's backstory is largely a mystery, but his quick wit and street smarts suggest a long history of navigating the rougher side of Zootopia. He is a master of disguise and deception, perfectly complementing Nick’s smooth-talking charm. His primary motivation appears to be financial gain and a general disdain for authority and sentimentality.
7 Shocking Facts and Updates About the Fennec Fox of Zootopia
Finnick is much more than just a visual gag; he is a crucial component of Nick Wilde's character development and a source of some of the film's most memorable moments. The news surrounding his involvement in Zootopia 2 has only amplified his importance.
1. The Emotional Return in Zootopia 2 Will Honor His Late Voice Actor
The most recent and significant update about Finnick centers on his confirmed return in Zootopia 2. The character was originally voiced by the formidable actor and former professional wrestler, Tom "Tiny" Lister Jr., who tragically passed away in 2020. Co-director Jared Bush confirmed that, with the blessing of Lister’s family, the sequel will feature the voice of Tiny Lister, reprising his role as Finnick. This means the filmmakers are utilizing existing archival recordings or previously recorded lines, ensuring Finnick maintains his iconic, deep voice and serving as a beautiful, heartfelt tribute to the late actor.
2. His Voice Actor Was a Hollywood Legend and Professional Wrestler
The contrast between the tiny fennec fox and the booming voice is entirely due to the casting of Tom Lister Jr. He was a prolific actor, known for his imposing physical presence in films like *Friday* (as Deebo) and *The Fifth Element* (as President Lindberg). The choice to cast a man known for playing intimidating characters as the voice of the smallest fox in the film was a brilliant, subversive piece of casting that instantly defined Finnick’s character.
3. The Iconic "Baby Elephant" Disguise is a Masterclass in Conning
Finnick’s most famous scene involves him posing as a young child in an oversized elephant costume to help Nick run a popsicle scam. The ruse works because the other animals, including Judy Hopps, are completely fooled by the costume and Finnick's small size, despite the obvious disconnect between the "baby's" adorable appearance and his adult voice. This scene perfectly illustrates the film’s theme of judging others based on appearance and stereotype, and it’s a moment that continues to spark fan debate about how exactly the disguise managed to fool so many animals.
4. He Was Confirmed to be Returning as a "New" Species in the Sequel
While Finnick is a returning character, his species, the Fennec Fox, was specifically listed among the 17 new animal species confirmed to appear in *Zootopia 2*, according to reports. This suggests that while Finnick is a known entity, the sequel may introduce other fennec foxes or further explore the Fennec Fox community within Zootopia, expanding the species’ role beyond just Nick’s former partner.
5. Finnick Actually Praises Judy Hopps
Despite his gruff exterior and initial hostility towards Judy, Finnick shows a rare moment of respect for the bunny cop late in the film. After Judy successfully "out-hustles" Nick by tricking him into helping her, Finnick is seen laughing and praising Judy for her cleverness. This small detail reveals that beneath his cynical shell, Finnick respects genuine street smarts and a good hustle, regardless of who is pulling it off.
6. The Character Sparked a Real-World, Unethical Pet Craze in China
In a surprising and concerning real-world consequence of the film's popularity, the cuteness of Finnick led to a surge in demand for real fennec foxes as exotic pets in China. Conservationists and animal welfare groups strongly advise against keeping fennec foxes as pets, as they are wild, miniature African species with complex needs that are ill-suited for domestic life. This phenomenon highlighted the real-world impact of Disney’s animal characters.
7. His Character Design is Anatomically Perfect to His Species
The design of Finnick is an accurate representation of the fennec fox species, which is the smallest fox in the world. His most defining features—the enormous ears—are not just cute; they are anatomically correct for the desert-dwelling animal. In real life, fennec foxes use their large ears to dissipate heat and regulate their body temperature in the hot desert environment. This commitment to biological accuracy, even for a minor character, is a hallmark of the *Zootopia* franchise.
The Future of Finnick and Nick Wilde’s Partnership
With Nick Wilde now a police officer and Judy’s partner, the dynamic of his friendship with Finnick is set to be a major point of interest in *Zootopia 2*. The first film showed that Finnick was initially disappointed that Nick would abandon their lucrative con-artist life for a "real" job. However, the final moments of the film hint at a grudging respect and a continued, albeit strained, connection between the two. The sequel will likely explore whether Finnick has moved on to a new partner, or if he will occasionally pop up to help (or hinder) Officer Wilde’s new life, perhaps even using his street smarts for good this time. His confirmed return, especially with the use of Tiny Lister's voice, ensures that the spirit of the original con-artist duo will live on, adding depth and humor to the next chapter of the Zootopia saga.
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