Disney’s Most Underrated Movie Is Finally Getting a Sequel 25 Years Later
For years, Disney fans have argued that Atlantis: The Lost Empire never got the recognition it deserved.
Now, 25 years after the animated film first arrived in theaters, the beloved cult classic is finally getting a brand-new sequel.
Disney and Papercutz have announced Atlantis: The Lost Empire Vol. 1 – The Curse of Kurok, a graphic novel that will continue the story of Milo Thatch, Queen Kida, and the lost civilization of Atlantis. For longtime fans, it’s a surprise announcement that has quickly generated excitement across the Disney community.
A Return To The World Of Atlantis
The upcoming graphic novel will take place after the events of the 2001 animated film, with Kida now serving as Queen of Atlantis and Milo standing by her side.
According to the official synopsis, a mysterious young boy arrives in Atlantis bearing strange markings and telling stories of falling stars. His appearance sparks rumors of an ancient curse, and things become even more complicated when his brother disappears deep within the caves beneath the city.
Kida, Milo, and a miner named Brin embark on a dangerous mission into forgotten caverns to uncover the truth. Along the way, they will face ancient legends, family secrets, and a monstrous threat that could endanger the future of Atlantis itself. The story is being written by Matthew K. Manning, whose previous work includes Batman/TMNT Adventures, with artwork by Christian Colbert.
Why Atlantis Has Become A Disney Cult Favorite
When Atlantis: The Lost Empire debuted in 2001, it wasn’t the success the legendary company had hoped for. The film received mixed reviews and struggled at the box office compared to many of the past animated hits. At the time, audiences largely associated Disney with fairy tales and musicals, making the studio’s action-adventure science fiction film feel like a dramatic departure from expectations. However, opinions have shifted significantly over the years.
Much like Treasure Planet and The Emperor’s New Groove, Atlantis has developed a passionate fanbase that appreciates its unique world-building, memorable characters, and striking visual style inspired by comic book artist Mike Mignola. Many fans now consider Atlantis one of the studio’s most underrated animated films.
The Graphic Novel Will Focus Heavily On Kida
One of the most exciting aspects of The Curse of Kurok is its focus on Kida. According to Manning, the story is designed primarily as Kida’s journey as she navigates the challenges of leadership while facing an ancient curse that seemingly predicts she will bring destruction to her people.
The graphic novel will explore difficult questions for the young queen, including how to embrace the outside world while still preserving Atlantis’ rich history and traditions. For fans who have long argued that Kida deserves more recognition among the most memorable heroines, the new story should provide plenty of opportunities to further develop her character.
A Long-Awaited Expansion Of The Atlantis Story
This isn’t the first time Disney has attempted to expand Atlantis. Following the original movie, Disney planned a television series called Team Atlantis, which would have followed the characters on new adventures. However, those plans were ultimately canceled after the film underperformed. Some elements of that canceled series were later repurposed into the direct-to-video release Atlantis: Milo’s Return in 2003.
The Curse of Kurok feels different, though. Rather than revisiting unused television concepts, the graphic novel appears positioned as a true spiritual successor to the original film. It gives Disney fans something they’ve wanted for years: a meaningful return to one of the studio’s most fascinating worlds.
Release Date And Format
Disney Atlantis: The Lost Empire, The Curse of Kurok will feature 80 full-color pages and will be available in both paperback and hardcover editions.
The graphic novel is currently scheduled for release in October 2026. For fans who have spent years hoping Disney would revisit Atlantis, the announcement represents something many never expected to see—a brand-new chapter in one of the studio’s most beloved cult classics.
