It’s official! Disney and Pixar have confirmed that Coco 2 is in the works and slated to grace the big screen in 2029. The news, revealed at the annual Disney shareholders meeting by CEO Bob Iger himself, has long been rumored but was not confirmed by the company. Furthermore, director Lee Unkrich left the company six years ago, putting a potential sequel in doubt. However, Iger shared that the director would be returning and we will get to see the next chapter of the Rivera family.
Coco 2 In Development, Lee Unkrich To Direct
The original Coco, released in 2017, was one of the year’s best films. It took us on an emotional ride alongside young Miguel, an aspiring musician caught in a whirlwind of family traditions and magical realms. His journey to the Land of the Dead was captivating and resonated deeply with audiences worldwide, bagging two Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for “Remember Me.” These awards, coupled with its astounding gross of $814.3 million globally, make it no surprise that a sequel is officially on the horizon.
The return of Coco’s original creative geniuses is what sweetens the news even further. The aforementioned Unkrich and co-director Adrian Molina will be reprising their roles, ensuring that the sequel will have the same spirit. This continuity is a delightful deviation from Pixar’s more recent approach of entrusting sequels and spin-offs to new directors. The return of Unkrich marks his first directorial endeavor with Pixar in eight years, promising a nostalgic yet refreshing touch to Coco 2.
No Surprise On The Sequel
Why has Pixar chosen this moment to reignite the world of Coco? It probably has to do with the recent track record of sequels for the company. Pixar has seen tremendous success with sequels that follow a long gap after their predecessors, like Inside Out 2, which broke records in 2024. Coco 2 will follow this blueprint to a tee. Many wondered whether it had been too long since the original Inside Out or whether the change in certain voice actors would scare audiences away. Those concerns were put to rest as the movie grossed over $1 billion.
Final Thoughts
As we eagerly anticipate the release, rest assured that Pixar and Disney are as committed as ever to delivering a film full of vibrant life, rich culture, and unforgettable music. Coco’s magical essence is set to return to the silver screen, promising audiences a chance to once again explore a world where the power of music and family bonds is limitless. Given the success of the previous film, they have a tall order to fill on the songs as well. Keep your calendars marked for 2029, and prepare for an adventure filled with heart and soul! Coco 2 promises to be a journey worth waiting for.
