Robert Irwin is officially making his Disney debut. The “Dancing With the Stars” fan favorite and wildlife conservationist is lending his voice to a new character in the highly anticipated sequel, “Zootopia 2”. Irwin, 20, will portray Robert Furwin, an Australian koala with a big heart and an even bigger personality.
The role marks his first major Hollywood voice-acting gig — a fitting next step for the young conservationist who has spent years carrying on his late father Steve Irwin’s beloved legacy.
Set to premiere in U.S. theaters on November 26, 2025, just in time for Thanksgiving, Zootopia 2 brings back fan-favorite characters Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman), alongside newcomers Quinta Brunson, Yvette Nicole Brown, Macaulay Culkin, Andy Samberg, Idris Elba, Jenny Slate, Shakira, and Brenda Song.
Inside the Plot of Disney’s ‘Zootopia 2’
The sequel introduces a new character, Gary De’Snake, voiced by Ke Huy Quan, whose arrival sparks a citywide manhunt that deepens the story’s central mystery.
Disney says the follow-up will expand the Zootopia universe, balancing heart, humor, and timely themes that resonated so strongly in the 2016 original.
Robert Irwin Honors His Disney Debut With Shakira Dance on ‘DWTS’
In celebration of his new role, Irwin and his Dancing With the Stars partner Witney Carson paid tribute to the first film with a Cha Cha to Shakira’s “Try Everything.”
“As soon as Shakira comes on, the hips can’t lie,” Irwin joked in his pre-performance package.
After their dance, host Alfonso Ribeiro noted the crowd was “on their feet.” Judge Derek Hough told Irwin, “You just have that Irwin aura. You can’t help but smile when I watch you perform.”
While Derek encouraged him to refine his arm movements, Carrie Ann Inaba said she wanted him to “flow your movements more” and stop flexing his muscles mid-dance. Bruno Tonioli added playfully, “When that pole came down, I thought you were about to recreate Shakira and J.Lo’s Super Bowl halftime show!”
Bruno concluded, “It was clean, it was clear, it was sweet. I liked it very, very much.”
Final score: 22 out of 30.
A Koala Named After Derek Hough?
During the live show, Julianne Hough asked Irwin about the koala at the Australia Zoo named after her brother. Laughing, Irwin replied that next, they’ll need one named after Witney.
Between his DWTS journey and his Disney debut, Robert Irwin is proving that his star power—and his late father’s legacy—continue to shine brighter than ever.
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