Coco Returns: Disney Officially Announces Sequel to Beloved Pixar Film
The vibrant world of the Land of the Dead is set to enchant audiences once more as Disney has officially announced a sequel to the critically acclaimed and beloved Pixar film, Coco. Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed the news during a recent shareholder meeting, igniting excitement among fans eager to revisit the characters and cultural richness that made the original a global phenomenon.
"While the film is just in the initial stages, we know it will be full of humor, heart, and adventure, and we can’t wait to share more soon," Iger stated, hinting at the magical journey that awaits viewers.
The original Coco, released in 2017, captivated audiences with its heartwarming story of Miguel, a young aspiring musician who embarks on a fantastical journey to the Land of the Dead. Driven by his passion for music and a desire to connect with his ancestors, Miguel navigates a world filled with vibrant colors, captivating characters, and profound cultural traditions. The film not only entertained but also served as a beautiful exploration of family, remembrance, and the importance of honoring one’s heritage.
Coco achieved both critical and commercial success, grossing over $800 million worldwide and earning two Academy Awards: Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for the unforgettable "Remember Me." Anthony Gonzalez delivered a stellar performance as the voice of Miguel, supported by a talented voice cast that included Gael García Bernal and Edward James Olmos.
Initially, a social media post on Pixar’s X account suggested that Coco 2 would hit theaters in 2029. However, the post was subsequently edited to remove the specific year, and the official press release from Disney did not provide a definitive release date. This ambiguity has sparked speculation among fans, leaving them eagerly awaiting further clarification from the studio. The current lack of a firm release date suggests that the film is still in the early stages of development, allowing the creative team ample time to craft a story that lives up to the legacy of the original.
The announcement of Coco 2 arrives on the heels of Pixar’s remarkable success with Inside Out 2, which grossed over $1.6 billion worldwide and briefly held the title of the highest-grossing animated film in history. While Ne Zha 2 eventually surpassed it, the success of Inside Out 2 marked a triumphant return to form for Pixar, especially after the studio’s decision to release three consecutive films – Soul, Luca, and Turning Red – directly on Disney+ during the COVID-19 pandemic, foregoing a theatrical release in the United States.
The studio’s return to theaters in 2022 with Lightyear, a Toy Story spin-off, proved to be a disappointment at the box office. However, the overwhelming success of Inside Out 2 has seemingly encouraged Disney to double down on sequels to its beloved Pixar titles. Coco 2 is just one of several sequels currently in development at the studio, indicating a strategic shift towards building upon established franchises.
Further reinforcing this trend, Disney’s non-Pixar sequel, Moana 2, achieved significant success in November, grossing over $1 billion worldwide after enjoying the biggest Thanksgiving weekend opening in history. This performance further solidifies Disney’s belief in the power of sequels to attract audiences and generate substantial revenue.
Fortunately for fans of the original, the creative team behind Coco, including director Lee Unkrich and co-director Adrian Molina, are set to return for the sequel. The film will be produced by Mark Nielsen, who also produced Toy Story 4 and Inside Out 2, suggesting that Coco 2 is in capable hands. Unkrich’s previous directorial credits include the critically acclaimed Toy Story 3, while Molina co-directed Pixar’s upcoming original film, Elio, which is scheduled for release in June.
While details regarding the cast and plot of Coco 2 remain under wraps, Pixar did unveil the film’s official logo, offering a small glimpse into the visual aesthetic of the sequel. The logo is likely to incorporate elements of Mexican culture and imagery, continuing the tradition of celebrating the vibrant and rich heritage that made the original film so special.
Beyond Coco 2, Pixar’s next major sequel is Toy Story 5, slated for release on June 19, 2026. Tom Hanks and Tim Allen are confirmed to be returning to voice Woody and Buzz Lightyear, respectively. The film will be directed by Andrew Stanton, the creative mind behind Finding Nemo and Wall-E, suggesting that Toy Story 5 will be a worthy addition to the beloved franchise.
Furthermore, Incredibles 3 is also in development at Pixar, although a release date has not yet been announced. According to the official plot synopsis unveiled at D23, Toy Story 5 will explore the theme of "Toy meets Tech," presenting Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the rest of the toy gang with a new set of challenges as they face off against a technologically advanced threat.
Although a third Inside Out film has not been officially confirmed, the overwhelming success of Inside Out 2 makes it seem almost inevitable. The film’s exploration of complex emotions resonated deeply with audiences, leaving many eager to see what new emotional landscapes Pixar will explore in a potential sequel.
Outside of Pixar, Disney has a number of other sequels in the pipeline, including Zootopia 2, scheduled for release in time for Thanksgiving 2025, Ice Age 6, arriving in 2026, and Frozen 3, set to hit theaters in 2027, with a fourth Frozen film also announced.
"We’re leaning a little bit more into sequels and franchises," Iger stated last year during an earnings call. "Given the environment, and given what it takes to get people out of their homes to see a film, doing that, leaning on franchises that are familiar, is actually a smart thing."
The strategic decision to prioritize sequels reflects a broader trend within the entertainment industry, as studios increasingly rely on established properties to attract audiences and mitigate risk. With its rich cultural tapestry, heartwarming characters, and universal themes, Coco is a prime example of a film that has the potential to resonate with audiences for generations to come.
The original Coco is currently available to stream on Disney+, providing fans with the opportunity to revisit the magic and prepare for the exciting new chapter that Coco 2 promises to bring. The anticipation surrounding the sequel is palpable, and as more details emerge, fans can expect to be swept away once again by the enchanting world of Miguel and the Land of the Dead. The film stands as a testament to Pixar’s ability to create stories that are not only entertaining but also deeply meaningful, celebrating cultural diversity and reminding us of the importance of family, remembrance, and the power of music.
