Space Chimps 2: Zartog Strikes Back (2010) movie poster

Plot Summary

Space Chimps 2: Zartog Strikes Back (2010) Plot Summary Explained

Name: Space Chimps 2: Zartog Strikes Back
Genre: Family, Animation
Released: 2010-05-26
Duration: 76 min

Release, runtime and language: 2010 · 76 mins · English
Directed by: John H. Williams
Starring: Stanley Tucci, Jane Lynch, Patrick Warburton, Cheryl Hines, Tom Kenny, Carlos Alazraqui

Comet, eager to be seen as a legit space chimp, launches on a daring mission to the fantastical Planet Malgor. There he befriends alien Kilowatt and lives his dream, but Zartog seizes Mission Control, forcing Comet to bravely step up. Joined by fellow chimps Ham, Luna and Titan, he must prove his worth and thwart Zartog’s plans to save the day.

Family Animation Cast, crew & box office

On this page (5)

1 Where to watch
2 What happens: full plot
3 Plot questions answered
4 Movie threads
5 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Space Chimps 2: Zartog Strikes Back (2010)

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Full plot summary · contains spoilers

What Happens in Space Chimps 2: Zartog Strikes Back: Full Plot Summary

The whole story of Space Chimps 2: Zartog Strikes Back (2010) explained, from the opening scene to the final frame: every key event, every twist and what it all adds up to. Read it as a quick recap before the sequel, to check a scene you missed, or to finally understand what really happened.

Two years after the events of the first film, Comet, Zack Shada a tech-savvy young chimpanzee, longs to be taken seriously as a full-fledged space chimp, but Ham, Tom Kenny, and the other chimpanzees don’t give him the credit he seeks. When he learns he was removed from the last space mission because of budget cuts, he hatches a plan to prove himself on the next mission. His chance comes when he accidentally interferes with the rocket’s controls and launches the ship into space, setting off a chain of bold moves that push him far beyond his expected role.

On a daring solo venture, Comet lands on Planet Malgor and meets Kilowatt, Laura Bailey, for the first time, quickly earning the respect of the planet’s curious residents and proving that his ambition can translate into real courage and capability. The moment marks a turning point for Comet, who finds that his ingenuity and grit may matter more than his status back on Earth.

Back home, Zartog, John DiMaggio, seethes with revenge after Ham foils his schemes and pursues a new opportunity by dragging Titan, Patrick Warburton, into a tour of Kennedy Space Center. The tour becomes a wild misadventure as Zartog’s scheming collides with the real world of space exploration, testing everyone’s patience and resolve in equal measure.

The trouble deepens when Zartog seizes control of Mission Control using a remote that vaporizes objects and erases the Senator, Stanley Tucci, along with Dr. Bob, Patrick Breen, Dr. Jagu, Omid Abtahi, and Dr. Poole, Jane Lynch, from existence. The threat lands squarely on Earth as the people who stand in the way of his plans disappear, leaving Ham and his allies to scramble for a way to restore order before time runs out.

Comet returns to Earth, joined by Kilowatt, while Ham evades Zartog by riding a jetpack. In a tense and clever turn, Comet manages to steal the remote and reprogram it to bring back the Senator and the scientists and shrink Zartog, though Zartog still escapes in a last, chaotic moment. The others share a relieved laugh as the immediate danger subsides and the team parts ways with a renewed sense of teamwork and humor.

In the end, the film closes on a lighter note as Zartog fumbles his escape, chased by a dog he had harassed earlier and by a guinea pig from the Mars mission, a comic reminder of the far-reaching consequences of his tyrannical gambits. The story blends science‑fiction intrigue with audience‑friendly humor, exploring themes of ambition, cooperation, and the idea that even a seemingly underestimated creature can rise to a moment of true courage.

Last updated: February 17, 2026 at 19:55

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Plot questions answered

Space Chimps 2: Zartog Strikes Back Plot Explained: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask most about Space Chimps 2: Zartog Strikes Back (2010): what happens in the confusing scenes, why the characters do what they do, the twists, hidden details and what the ending means. Each answer contains spoilers.

Why was Comet removed from the space mission?

Comet was removed from the last space mission due to budget cuts. Despite his technical skills and ambition, the program lacked funding to include him, which fueled his determination to prove himself on the next mission.

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How did Comet accidentally launch the rocket?

While the team was preparing for the mission launch, Comet interfered with the rocket's controls during his attempt to prove himself. His meddling unintentionally activated the launch sequence, sending the ship into space unexpectedly.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, Comet had been scheming to join the mission and demonstrated technical skill in his planning.

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Why did Zartog vaporize the Senator and scientists?

Zartog seized control of Mission Control using a remote device capable of vaporizing objects. He erased the Senator, Dr. Bob, Dr. Jagu, and Dr. Poole to eliminate anyone who stood in the way of his takeover, removing the obstacles to his plan for revenge against Ham.

Foreshadowing: Zartog had been seething with revenge after Ham foiled his schemes in the first film.

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How did Comet meet Kilowatt on Planet Malgor?

After his accidental launch, Comet's ship crash-landed on Planet Malgor where he first encountered Kilowatt. His ingenuity and bravery during the landing and subsequent interactions earned the respect of the planet's residents, making Kilowatt his key ally.

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How did Comet reprogram the remote to restore the victims?

While Zartog was distracted, Comet managed to steal the remote control device. Using his technical skills, he reprogrammed it to reverse the vaporization, bringing back the Senator and the three scientists. He also used it to shrink Zartog, neutralizing the immediate threat.

Foreshadowing: Comet had demonstrated technical aptitude throughout the film, particularly in his earlier planning to join the mission.

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What happened to the people Zartog vaporized?

The Senator and three scientists (Dr. Bob, Dr. Jagu, and Dr. Poole) were erased from existence when Zartog used the remote. Comet later reprogrammed the device to reverse this, restoring all four people to their original state.

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Why did Ham use a jetpack to escape Zartog?

Ham evaded Zartog by riding a jetpack through Mission Control's corridors during the chaos of the takeover. This allowed him to escape Zartog's grasp and buy time for the team to formulate a plan to stop the villain.

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What happened to Zartog at the end of the movie?

After being shrunk by Comet's reprogrammed remote, Zartog attempted to escape but was chased by a dog he had harassed earlier and a guinea pig from the Mars mission. The comedic chase provided a humorous ending, with Zartog remaining small and on the run.

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Why did Comet want to prove himself as a space chimp?

Comet longed to be taken seriously as a full-fledged space chimp, but Ham and the other chimpanzees didn't give him the credit he sought. Being dismissed and then removed from the mission due to budget cuts motivated him to show he had what it takes.

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Movie threads

More Movies Like Space Chimps 2: Zartog Strikes Back, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Space Chimps 2: Zartog Strikes Back tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Whimsical Sci-Fi Adventures like Space Chimps 2: Zartog Strikes Back

Lighthearted animated journeys through colorful alien worlds with playful heroes. Looking for more movies like Space Chimps 2: Zartog Strikes Back? This list features similar animated family films with whimsical space adventures, playful alien friends, and comical villains in fantastical settings. If you enjoyed the energetic and silly journey to planet Malgor, you'll find more lighthearted sci-fi fun here.

whimsical
playful
adventurous
colorful
humorous
uplifting
Tone: light, whimsical, playful
Pacing: fast, energetic

Why these movies?

The story pattern: Narratives in this thread typically follow a straightforward quest structure. A protagonist, often underestimated or eager to prove themselves, embarks on an unexpected journey to a fantastical setting. They befriend quirky allies and face off against a villain whose plans are more silly than truly sinister. The conflict is resolved through teamwork and ingenuity, leading to a celebratory and satisfying conclusion.

Why they belong together: These movies are grouped together because they share a unique blend of science-fiction imagination with family-friendly comedy. They prioritize playful energy, colorful visuals, and lighthearted storytelling over complex plots or heavy emotional stakes, creating a consistently fun and uplifting viewing experience.

Aliens in the Attic

2009

Space Chimps

2008

Big City Greens the Movie: Spacecation

2024

Planet 51

2009

Welcome to the Show

2021

Return from Witch Mountain

1978

Animal Crackers

2020

Spy Kids: Armageddon

2023

Underdog Hero Journeys like in Space Chimps 2: Zartog Strikes Back

Characters underestimated by their peers step up to save the day through teamwork. If you liked Comet's story of proving his worth in Space Chimps 2: Zartog Strikes Back, this list features more movies about underdog heroes rising to the challenge. Discover similar films where characters go on a journey of self-discovery, team up with friends, and triumph over adversity with humor and heart.

uplifting
humorous
adventurous
teamwork
underdog
playful
Tone: hopeful, humorous, uplifting
Pacing: fast, character-driven

Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves a protagonist who is initially seen as incapable or unqualified. A crisis presents an opportunity for them to step forward, often reluctantly at first. Through a series of challenges that test their spirit rather than just their strength, they learn to trust themselves and collaborate with allies. The climax reaffirms their newfound confidence and solidifies their place within their community.

Why they belong together: These films are united by their uplifting focus on character growth and the universally relatable theme of proving oneself. They balance lighthearted humor with a sincere emotional core, creating an engaging and satisfying arc where the hero's internal journey is just as important as the external conflict.

Underdog

2007

Dog Gone

2008

We Can Be Heroes

2020

Dog Gone Trouble

2021

The Main Event

2020

Adventure Scouts

2010

Air Buddies

2006

Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story

2004

Every angle

Space Chimps 2: Zartog Strikes Back (2010) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Space Chimps 2: Zartog Strikes Back in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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