The Empire Film Podcast The Interviews (ft. Kristen Stewart, Jared Bush, Andrew Guest)
Feb 6, 2026
Kristen Stewart, actress-turned-director making her debut with The Chronology of Water, talks influences, nonverbal directing and collaborating with Imogen Poots. Jared Bush, Disney Animation writer-director of Zootropolis 2, discusses the film’s long development, joke crafting, huge global success and surprise cameos. Short, candid chats about craft, collaboration and big-studio storytelling.
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Episode notes
Box Office Validates Craft Details
- Jared says the film's box office and repeat viewings reward the artists' tiny Easter-egg details.
- He sees theatrical success as proof the movie drew people out to experience those layered moments.
Crowdsource The Jokes
- Jared describes collaborative gag-writing: encourage everyone to add jokes and visual puns throughout production.
- He credits the production designer and VizDev artists for hidden sign puns that reward repeat viewers.
Iteration Is Built Into Animation
- Jared explains Zootropolis 2's long development cycle: animation lets stories evolve across years and many iterative screenings.
- He notes major story adjustments can land late, even a year before release.
