Rango 2 (2026) – PHDplay

Movie Review: Rango 2 (2026)

Fifteen years after the quirky, Oscar-winning original, Rango 2 (2026) rides into theaters with all the charm, weirdness, and visual brilliance that made its predecessor a cult classic — while adding deeper themes about change, legacy, and what it means to be a hero.

The story finds Rango (voiced once again by Johnny Depp) settled comfortably as sheriff of Dirt, now a thriving town. But peace never lasts long. When a ruthless land baron threatens to divert the region’s only water source for profit, Rango must saddle up again. This time, he’s joined by a new generation of unlikely heroes, including a sharp-tongued armadillo (voiced by Aubrey Plaza) and a mysterious outlaw with a tragic past (Pedro Pascal).

Director Gore Verbinski leans into the surreal western tone once more, delivering a film that is equal parts spaghetti western parody and heartfelt character study. The humor remains delightfully offbeat, with bizarre sight gags and dry wit, but the emotional core runs deeper, exploring Rango’s insecurities about aging and being forgotten.

Visually, the movie is breathtaking. ILM pushes animation to new heights with hyper-detailed character designs and sweeping desert landscapes that look like oil paintings come alive. A mid-film train heist sequence, staged with balletic chaos and jaw-dropping cinematography, is already being called one of the greatest animated action set pieces ever.

The supporting cast shines, with Isla Fisher returning as Beans, her dynamic with Rango as sharp as ever. Pascal’s outlaw adds grit and gravitas, while Plaza’s armadillo steals nearly every scene with deadpan sarcasm. Hans Zimmer also returns to score, blending mariachi flair with haunting western themes that elevate every frame.

If there’s one drawback, it’s that the pacing lingers in the second act, with a few too many subplots crowding the narrative. Still, by the time the dust settles, the film delivers a rousing finale that cements Rango’s legacy as more than just a legend in his own mind.

Verdict:
Rango 2 (2026) is a visually stunning, weirdly wonderful sequel that honors the original while expanding its world and emotional depth. It’s not just a return to Dirt — it’s a return to form for animated westerns.

Rating: 8.6/10