Disney and Pixar are preparing to return to the vibrant Land of the Dead with the long-awaited sequel to the 2017 hit Coco. The announcement came from Disney CEO Bob Iger during the company’s annual shareholder meeting, where he confirmed that Coco 2 is currently in development and slated for a theatrical release in 2029. Although plot details remain under wraps, Iger assured fans that the sequel would continue the franchise’s tradition of humor, heart, and adventure.
“While the film is just in the initial stages, we know it will be full of humor, heart, and adventure,” Iger said during the meeting. “And we can’t wait to share more soon.” Fans of the original film, which resonated deeply with audiences for its emotional story and stunning visuals, can now look forward to revisiting the colorful world of the Land of the Dead in the upcoming sequel.
The original Coco was a massive success, both critically and commercially. Directed by Lee Unkrich, the film earned two Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for the song “Remember Me.” Coco grossed over $800 million globally, cementing its place as one of Pixar’s standout films. The story follows 12-year-old Miguel, a boy who dreams of becoming a musician despite his family’s longstanding ban on music. His journey to the Land of the Dead on the Mexican holiday of Dia de los Muertos unravels the hidden story of his family’s past and their connection to music.
Returning to direct Coco 2 are Coco’s original directors Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina, who will co-direct the sequel. Mark Nielsen, a veteran Pixar producer known for his work on Toy Story 4 and Inside Out 2, will also be returning to produce the film. Nielsen’s extensive experience with Pixar’s sequels adds an extra layer of anticipation for the continuation of Coco‘s legacy.
The film’s development marks a significant step for Disney and Pixar, as the studio has found great success with sequels in recent years. Inside Out 2, scheduled for release in 2024, and Incredibles 2, which debuted in 2018, are both prime examples of Pixar’s strength in bringing back beloved characters. Incredibles 2 grossed an impressive $1.24 billion globally, setting a record as the highest-grossing animated film at the time, until it was surpassed by Inside Out 2’s $1.66 billion haul in 2023. These successful sequels demonstrate Pixar’s ability to create films that continue to resonate with audiences long after the original movie’s release.
However, not all of Pixar’s recent projects have enjoyed the same commercial success. Original stories like Elemental (2023) and the Lightyear spinoff (2022) did not perform as strongly at the box office as the studio’s previous hits. These mixed results have led Pixar to double down on sequels to its most popular franchises, including Toy Story 5, Incredibles 3, and Elio, which are also currently in development. Despite these challenges, Pixar remains a dominant force in the animated film industry, with its rich storytelling and iconic animation techniques continuing to captivate audiences of all ages.
The announcement of Coco 2 has sparked excitement among fans of the original film, who are eager to return to the magical world of Miguel and his family. The original Coco was praised for its cultural significance, highlighting the Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos and exploring themes of family, memory, and the importance of following one’s dreams. With the sequel still in its early stages, it remains to be seen how the filmmakers will build upon the original’s themes and characters.
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As Pixar continues to develop its slate of upcoming sequels, the studio’s commitment to continuing beloved stories while also exploring new ideas demonstrates its ability to balance nostalgia with innovation. With films like Coco 2 on the horizon, Pixar’s future looks bright, and fans can expect more heartfelt and visually stunning films in the years to come.
For now, fans will have to wait until 2029 to see what Coco 2 has in store. But given the lasting impact of the first film, the sequel’s promise of heart, humor, and adventure has already set high expectations. As the development process continues, Pixar is sure to keep fans engaged with more details about the film’s plot and characters as it nears its release.
PEOPLE reached out to Disney and Pixar for further comments and details on Coco 2. The film is sure to be one of the most highly anticipated animated releases of the decade, continuing the legacy of one of Pixar’s most beloved films.
