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Disney and Pixar have officially announced that they are working on “Coco 2,” the sequel to their 2017 animated hit “Coco.” The announcement was made by Disney CEO Bob Iger during the company’s annual shareholders meeting, and the sequel will receive a theatrical release in 2029. While there is no detailed plot information, Iger assured that the film will be “full of humor, heart, and adventure.”
The original "Coco," released in 2017, captivated the world with its poignant tale and vibrant depiction of Mexican heritage. The movie follows 12-year-old Miguel, a youth musician who visits the Land of the Dead to uncover his family’s history. The film was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $800 million in box office sales worldwide and winning two Academy Awards: Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for “Remember Me.”
The sequel will feature the return of the same creative team behind the original, with directors Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina returning to direct, and producer Mark Nielsen, whose credits include “Toy Story 4” and “Inside Out 2,” onboard. This continuity of leadership suggests an interest in retaining the integrity that caused the original film to resonate with audiences.
The announcement of ”Coco 2” has been received with both excitement and skepticism from fans and critics alike. While some are eager to delve deeper into the rich world of “Coco,” others question whether a sequel is necessary since the original story stood on its own. Social media discussions echo this divide, with some expressing their hopes for new tales and characters, while others discuss the pressure the sequel will be under to live up to its predecessor’s success.
In addition to the film, Disney will also be expanding the “Coco” franchise in its theme parks. Disney California Adventure Park will have a “Coco”-themed attraction, with construction beginning in 2026. This is indicative of Disney’s strategy in bringing successful film franchises into immersive park experiences, creating new ways for fans to engage with beloved stories and characters.
The decision to produce ”Coco 2” is a continuation of Pixar’s recent trend of creating sequels to their successful franchises. Following the commercial success of “Incredibles 2” and “Inside Out 2” at the box office, the studio also has “Toy Story 5” and “Incredibles 3” in the works. With some of the original material like “Elemental” not performing well commercially, sequels have performed well, indicating a strategic move by Pixar to balance original content with franchise extensions.
As “Coco 2” continues in its production stages, fans can expect announcements regarding plot details, cast, and musical compositions. Given the success of the original movie and the creative forces returning, expectations are high for a sequel that honors the heritage of “Coco” while introducing fresh stories and characters to captivate viewers once again.
