Savage Seas (former version of Zootopia)

The title card of the film.

In the 2000s (despite being first announced in 2013), an animated film under the title of Savage Seas, the early version of Zootopia, was first conceptualized for Disney.

Plot

The film was to be inspired by classic James Bond films: "A sunglasses-and-tuxedo rabbit called Jack Savage, shares his unfortunate oceanic journey to the wicked Savage Seas".

Development

The film was first thought of in the 2000s but with no set release date for the time being, and it were to be directed by Byron Howard. Nothing much more is known about its development beyond this.

Why This Version Was Cancelled

1. The filmmakers were unimpressed with the story.
2. The name “Jack Savage” was already used for another cancelled Disney film, Gigantic.
3. Both directors did not like concepts for the main characters being spies.

Results

• The original version of Zootopia was permanently cancelled. And so Zootopia finally released worldwide on March 4, 2016 to critical praise and was a box-office hit.
• Disney announced a spin-off series titled Zootopia+ and was released on Disney+ in November 2022.
• A fan made film series of Zootopia called Return To Zootopia was released in 2016, the same year the following Zootopia was released, and Jack Savage appeared in one of the episodes.
• Zootopia 2, a sequel to the original film, is set to be released in November 2025.

Trivia

• The shock collar deleted scene were to be used in Savage Seas.
• If the film were to be released, side-films planned were The Island Of Dr. Meow, Pug The Bounty Hunter, and The Three Mouseketeers.
  • There would've also been 4 sequels for this film-- Savage City, Savage Earth, Savage Land, and Savage Times.

Gallery

Artwork depicting the logo and tone of Savage Seas and Savage City, by Byron Howard.

Concept art for Jack Savage.

Art for the potential villain of the film, Dr. Meow.

Art for a scrapped character in the film.

Art of Jack Savage and an earlier version of Nick Wilde fleeing.