Disney and Pixar fans have something exciting to look forward to – a sequel to the beloved animated film “Coco” is officially in the works. Disney CEO Bob Iger announced during the company’s annual shareholder meeting that “Coco 2” will be released in theaters in 2029. The news has already created buzz among animation enthusiasts and families who fell in love with the original film’s colorful celebration of Mexican culture and its touching story about family and remembrance.
While the sequel is still in the early stages of development, this announcement marks a significant moment for fans who have been hoping for a return to the Land of the Dead. Pixar confirmed the news on social media, though plot details remain under wraps. The long timeline until the 2029 release suggests that the studio is taking its time to craft a worthy follow-up to the Oscar-winning original.
The first “Coco” film was praised for its cultural authenticity, stunning visuals, and emotional depth. It resonated with audiences worldwide and became a cultural phenomenon that celebrated Mexican traditions like Día de los Muertos while telling a universal story about family connections that transcend death.
Coco 2: What We Know So Far About the Long-Awaited Sequel
Pixar has finally made it official—Coco 2 is happening, and it’s set to hit theaters in 2029. After years of speculation and hope from fans, Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed the news during Disney’s annual shareholder meeting in March 2025. The announcement sparked excitement across social media, and for good reason. The original Coco wasn’t just a movie; it was a heartfelt celebration of family, memory, and Mexican culture that resonated worldwide. Now, Pixar is preparing to return to the Land of the Dead—and there’s a lot to look forward to.
The Original Team Is Back
One of the most reassuring parts of the announcement is the return of the creative team that made the original Coco so special. Directors Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina are both back at the helm, with Mark Nielsen returning as producer. This reunion is a promising sign that the sequel will capture the same heart, humor, and breathtaking visuals that made Coco an Academy Award-winning success.
Unkrich, who retired from Pixar in 2019, has reportedly been collaborating with Molina on the new story for over a year. Molina, who co-directed the first film and has been deeply involved in other Pixar projects since, is expected to play an even bigger role in shaping the sequel’s vision.
What Will Coco 2 Be About?
Pixar is keeping plot details under wraps for now, but there are some intriguing hints. According to Iger, the film will be “full of humor, heart, and adventure,” much like its predecessor. Fans are speculating that the story may continue to follow Miguel Rivera, now a little older, as he navigates new challenges—possibly even crossing back into the Land of the Dead.
Some rumors suggest that Coco 2 might explore different aspects of Mexican culture, traditions, and music, perhaps introducing audiences to new regions or festivals. Others believe the film could focus on Miguel’s journey as a musician and how he balances his passion with his family’s legacy.
Why Coco Deserved a Sequel
Released in 2017, Coco was a critical and commercial hit, earning over $814 million at the global box office. It won two Academy Awards: Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for “Remember Me.” More importantly, it left a lasting cultural impact, with its thoughtful representation of Día de los Muertos and its powerful message about family and remembrance.
For years, fans have been asking for more—more time with Miguel and his family, more stories from the Land of the Dead, and more music that touches the heart. Pixar has been cautious with sequels, choosing carefully which stories deserve another chapter. With Coco 2, it seems they believe there’s more to say.
A Trend Toward Sequels at Pixar
The announcement of Coco 2 comes alongside news of other Pixar sequels in development, including Toy Story 5 and Inside Out 2. While Pixar has built its reputation on original storytelling, its sequels often revisit beloved characters in meaningful ways. If Coco 2 follows the same path, it won’t just be a rehash of the original—it’ll be an expansion of its world, with new emotional depth and cultural richness.
When Can We Expect Coco 2?
The official release year is 2029, though no specific date has been announced yet. Animation takes time, especially for a film as visually complex as Coco. The original’s vibrant, detailed depiction of both the Land of the Living and the Land of the Dead raised the bar for animation, and it’s safe to expect the sequel to push those boundaries even further.
Production is said to be in the early stages, with storyboarding and concept art already underway. Fans can expect more updates as the release date gets closer, including casting news and—hopefully—some early footage or teaser trailers in the next few years.
Final Thoughts
For fans of Coco, the news of a sequel is a dream come true. Pixar has proven time and again that it knows how to deliver sequels that honor the originals while offering something new. If Coco 2 manages to capture even a fraction of the magic of its predecessor, we’re in for an unforgettable journey.
Until then, all we can do is wait—and maybe rewatch Coco while singing along to “Remember Me.”
Key Takeaways
- Disney and Pixar have officially announced “Coco 2” with a theatrical release planned for 2029.
- The sequel is currently in early development with no plot details revealed yet.
- The original “Coco” was a critical and commercial success that celebrated Mexican culture and family traditions.
Announcement and Anticipation
Disney stunned fans with the revelation of “Coco 2” during a high-profile corporate event, igniting excitement across social media platforms and entertainment news outlets. The long wait until 2029 has already started building anticipation among fans of the original film.
Initial Reveal at the Annual Shareholder Meeting
Disney CEO Bob Iger made the official announcement of “Coco 2” during Disney’s Annual Shareholder Meeting. The executive confirmed that the sequel to the beloved 2017 animated film is currently in early stages of development with a theatrical release planned for 2029.
The announcement was brief but impactful, with Iger simply sharing the title and release timeframe. This strategic reveal follows Disney’s pattern of announcing major sequels years in advance to build anticipation.
Pixar’s return to the world of “Coco” represents a significant commitment to theatrical releases amid changing distribution models in the entertainment industry. The lengthy development timeline suggests Disney is giving the creative team ample time to craft a worthy successor.
Expectations from Pixar’s Sequel
“Coco 2” promises to deliver the same blend of humor, heart, and adventure that made the original film so beloved. Reports indicate the original director Lee Unkrich will return to helm the sequel, providing creative continuity.
The 2029 release date suggests Pixar is taking their time to develop a meaningful continuation of Miguel’s story. Fans are speculating about potential plotlines, including exploring more of the Land of the Dead or following a new generation of the Rivera family.
The first “Coco” film won two Academy Awards and grossed over $800 million worldwide. These high benchmarks create significant expectations for the sequel to match or exceed the original’s cultural impact and commercial success.
Role of Music in Coco 2
Music played a central role in the original “Coco,” with “Remember Me” winning the Oscar for Best Original Song. The sequel will likely continue this tradition with new memorable songs.
Mexican musical traditions will almost certainly remain at the heart of the film’s identity. The original soundtrack beautifully blended traditional mariachi sounds with contemporary elements, creating an authentic musical landscape.
Early production reports haven’t revealed specific composers or songwriters attached to the project. However, given the importance of music to the franchise, Disney will likely prioritize assembling top musical talent for “Coco 2.”
Cultural and Box Office Impact
Pixar’s “Coco” made a significant mark on both entertainment and cultural landscapes while achieving impressive financial success. The original film’s influence continues to resonate years after its 2017 release.
Coco’s Legacy and Impact on Popular Culture
“Coco” transformed how Mexican culture, particularly Día de los Muertos, is represented in mainstream media. The film’s vibrant portrayal of the Land of the Dead introduced audiences worldwide to Mexican traditions with respect and authenticity.
Miguel’s journey resonated with viewers across cultures, emphasizing universal themes of family, memory, and honoring ancestors. The film’s success prompted increased interest in Mexican folk art, music, and celebrations.
“Coco” also sparked important conversations about cultural representation in animation. Its impact extended beyond theaters into merchandise, theme park attractions, and educational materials about Mexican heritage. The film’s portrayal of Mexican traditions with both humor and heart created lasting cultural touchpoints.
Box Office Success and Sequel Projections
“Coco” was a commercial powerhouse, generating over $800 million worldwide at the box office. The film performed exceptionally well in both domestic and international markets, with particular strength in Mexico, China, and across Latin America.
The animated feature quickly became one of Pixar’s most profitable original stories. Its financial success demonstrated the wide appeal of culturally specific stories when told with universal themes.
With “Coco 2” now officially in development and targeting a 2029 release, Disney likely expects to match or exceed the original’s performance. The lengthy development timeline suggests a significant investment in creating a worthy sequel.
Industry analysts project even stronger commercial potential for “Coco 2” given the expanded audience awareness and continued cultural relevance of the original film.
Awards and Accolades of the Original Film
“Coco” dominated the 2018 awards season, securing two Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for “Remember Me.” The film also claimed the Golden Globe and BAFTA for Best Animated Film.
Critics praised the film’s stunning animation, emotional depth, and cultural authenticity. Review aggregators showed overwhelmingly positive ratings from both critics and audiences.
Beyond major awards, “Coco” received recognition from cultural organizations for its respectful portrayal of Mexican traditions. The film’s soundtrack achieved commercial success, with “Remember Me” becoming a standout hit.
These accolades established “Coco” as one of Pixar’s most critically acclaimed films, setting high expectations for the upcoming sequel to maintain this standard of excellence while expanding the beloved story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Disney fans have many questions about the upcoming Coco 2 film. Here are answers to some of the most common inquiries about this highly anticipated sequel from Pixar Animation Studios.
What is the official release date for Coco 2?
According to Disney CEO Bob Iger’s announcement during a shareholders meeting, Coco 2 is planned for a 2029 theatrical release. The exact month and day have not yet been revealed.
Disney typically announces specific release dates closer to production completion. The long timeline suggests the film is still in early development stages.
Will there be new characters introduced in Coco 2?
No official information has been shared about new characters for Coco 2. However, Pixar sequels typically introduce new characters while bringing back fan favorites.
The first film featured a rich world of characters both in the Land of the Living and the Land of the Dead. This provides many opportunities for new character additions in the sequel.
How can I watch the trailer for Coco 2?
No trailer for Coco 2 exists yet. With the release date set for 2029, a trailer likely won’t appear until 2028.
Pixar typically releases teaser trailers about a year before a film’s premiere. Animation studios need substantial time to complete enough high-quality footage for trailers.
Are the original voice actors returning for Coco 2?
Disney has not announced which voice actors will return for Coco 2. The original film starred Anthony Gonzalez as Miguel and Gael García Bernal as Héctor.
Given the gap between films, some voice recasting may be necessary, especially for younger characters. More details about the voice cast will likely be shared as production advances.
What themes will Coco 2 explore?
The themes of Coco 2 remain unknown. The original film beautifully explored family connections, Mexican culture, and the Day of the Dead traditions.
A sequel might delve deeper into these themes or introduce new cultural elements. Pixar often expands on the emotional core of original films in their sequels.
How will Coco 2 continue the story from the first film?
No plot details for Coco 2 have been revealed. The first film ended with Miguel returning to the Land of the Living and helping his family remember Héctor through music.
The sequel could follow an older Miguel, explore other family members’ stories, or create new adventures in the colorful Land of the Dead. Pixar may take the story in unexpected directions while honoring the original film’s legacy.
