Darth Vader is one of the most iconic movie characters in history, and now that he’s owned by Disney, the Mouse House has delivered a version of the Star Wars icon I never thought I’d see, thanks to Zootopia 2 of all movies. After Walt Disney Studios acquired Lucasfilm in 2012, it didn’t take long for Disney to begin pushing the galaxy far, far away and utilizing the IP for theme parks, merchandising, movies, video games, shows, and more. The results have been wildly successful on various levels, with Darth Vader still maintaining a presence in multiple media.

Due to the instantly recognizable design, breathing, and voice, Darth Vader is usually a difficult character to miss. His ability to command the screen and inject fear into those he encounters helps too. It’s no surprise that Disney and Lucasfilm have found ways to keep bringing him back to the screen, including live-action appearances in Obi-Wan Kenobi or Ahsoka. Those are the types of projects that we’re conditioned to seeing Darth Vader in. Yet, Disney has just unveiled a new version of the character I never would’ve thought existed.

Zootopia 2’s Teaser Trailer Includes Darth Vader

… As A Zebra

When I started watching the first Zootopia 2 teaser trailer, Star Wars was the last thing on my mind. That’s why I was so caught off guard when, at the 51-second mark, some of Darth Vader’s most iconic elements could be seen. His black helmet, black cape, chest plate with red and blue ʙuттons, and red lightsaber are all there. The biggest difference? Darth Vader is now a zebra.

Darth Vader appearing in Zootopia 2 in any capacity would be surprising, considering the lack of overlap between it and Star Wars. The Zootopia movies exist in a completely separate galaxy than Star Wars, making the Darth Vader reference a fun Easter egg. This isn’t Darth Vader being Zootopia-fied and becoming a force-wielding evil zebra, as intriguing as that would be. However, it does imply that Star Wars exists in this universe as a multi-media franchise, even if has a different name – animal pun included. That’s how we get to see a zebra dressed up as Darth Vader.

Zebra Darth Vader In Zootopia 2 Continues A Disney Star Wars Trend

Disney Loves To Use Star Wars Elsewhere

Zootopia 2‘s zebra dressed as Darth Vader is hardly the first time Disney has allowed a non-Lucasfilm property to utilize some of the Star Wars iconography. The Marvel movies are known for including a variety of Star Wars references, even if they’ve slowed down in recent years. There are also a number of Pixar animated movies that include references to George Lucas’ creation, including a Mandalorian jetpack appearing in Lightyear.

This isn’t even the first time Walt Disney Animation Studios has used some Star Wars characters, even as it waits to make a proper animated feature for the franchise. Ralph Breaks The Internet included a lot of references through its internet-infused storyline. R2-D2 is spotted, as are X-wings, TIE fighters, First Order Stormtroopers, while Anthony Daniels has a cameo as C-3PO. That movie is one of Disney’s more obvious ways it’s brought the Star Wars IP to other brands. Elsewhere, Ryan Reynolds even got to use a lightsaber during Free Guy‘s climax.

Is Zebra Darth Vader Even Going To Be In Zootopia 2?

He May Be A Marketing Stunt Only

Beyond the oddity of seeing a zebra dressed like Darth Vader, it’s unclear based on Zootopia 2‘s trailer if Darth Zebra (as I’ll affectionately call the animal) is even in the movie. A lot of the footage is brief snippets that almost feel like they were made specifically for the teaser. There’s no dialogue included, making this a collection of images that appear more random than they do relevant to the plot. If this is just meant to be a teaser to let audiences know Zootopia 2 is coming and not reveal anything about the story, it’s successful.

This could mean that Darth Zebra is not going to be in the movie when it actually comes out later this year. There’s also the reality that this could be the entirety of Darth Zebra’s role in the film if the character does actually appear. The main characters moving through a dance party probably isn’t a major part of the plot. In that case, this is Darth Zebra’s time to shine before Zootopia 2 hits theaters.