Pixar’s Turning Red made waves when it debuted in 2022—not only for its heartwarming, hilarious exploration of adolescence, but for its unapologetically unique voice. The film’s blend of cultural specificity, magical realism, and coming-of-age awkwardness struck a chord with audiences, especially younger viewers and those from immigrant families. Naturally, fans have been wondering: will Mei and her red panda return in a sequel?
No Official Sequel Yet—But the Door’s Wide Open
As of April 2025, Disney and Pixar have made no official announcements about Turning Red 2. But both director Domee Shi and producer Lindsey Collins have made it clear they’re interested in telling more stories in this world. Shi previously noted that the original movie’s ending was “an invitation at the end for more stories,” and Collins mentioned how much the team grew attached to the characters, saying they wouldn’t mind “hanging out with them again.”
That’s far from a confirmation—but in the world of Pixar, where sequels are typically reserved for massive hits or deeply beloved characters (Toy Story, Inside Out, Finding Nemo), these kinds of comments carry weight.
Possible Directions for Turning Red 2
Even without official development underway, both creators and fans have been dreaming up rich possibilities for a follow-up film:
- Mei in High School or College: The first film ends with Mei embracing her red panda as a part of who she is. A sequel could explore her teenage or young adult years—navigating friendships, crushes, and personal growth with her fluffy alter ego in tow.
- Ming’s Backstory: A prequel exploring Mei’s mother, Ming, as a young girl grappling with her own red panda powers would give us deeper insight into her strict demeanor and complex relationship with Mei.
- Mei as a Parent: A time-jump sequel showing Mei as an adult—perhaps now a mother herself—guiding her child through the same transformation could reflect on generational trauma, cultural legacy, and evolving identities.
- The Aunties Take Center Stage: Mei’s aunts were standout comedic highlights in Turning Red, and a story exploring their dynamics or past experiences with the red panda could offer a fun, ensemble-style film.
- New Magical Threats: The red panda might just be the beginning. A sequel could expand the mythology, possibly revealing ancient forces tied to the temple or other forms of inherited magic, giving Mei a new challenge that tests her connection to family and identity.
Signs of Continued Interest
Though there’s no sequel yet, Pixar hasn’t turned its back on Turning Red. In 2024, the film got a surprise theatrical re-release in the U.S. and U.K., paired with the Oscar-nominated short Kitbull. That move helped introduce the film to audiences who may have only seen it on Disney+ and suggests Disney sees lasting value in Mei’s story.
There was also buzz around a scrapped Pixar Popcorn short titled Tail Shaking, which some fans mistook for a full sequel announcement. Though canceled, the short shows Pixar was at least considering extending Mei’s adventures in some form.
Why a Sequel May Take Time
Domee Shi is currently directing another Pixar feature, Elio, which is scheduled for release in mid-2025. That means even if a sequel is approved, development would likely need to wait until her schedule is clear. And given that Turning Red took about five years from development to release, any new film in the series may not arrive until 2027 or later.
That said, sequels often benefit from faster pipelines, especially when the characters, assets, and animation tech are already in place. If Pixar gives Turning Red 2 the green light soon, it could feasibly arrive sooner than the original’s lengthy production cycle.
Rumored Plot and Fan Theories
While no official story synopsis for Turning Red 2 has been released, detailed fan theories and reported insider leaks suggest the sequel could pick up two years after the original film, in 2004. Mei Lee, now in high school, is rumored to meet other teens with animal transformation abilities—introducing a whole new dynamic to the red panda mythology. A mysterious new character may serve as a guide (or rival), hinting that the red panda legacy is part of a much larger spiritual lineage.
Some theories even propose that Mei’s powers evolve beyond transformation, potentially giving her the ability to access ancestral memories or project her panda spirit externally. These speculated abilities raise the stakes, as they may attract unwanted attention from antagonists interested in exploiting the red panda magic.
Expanded Universe and Potential Series Tie-Ins
Adding fuel to sequel speculation, Disney+ is reportedly launching an animated spin-off titled The New Adventures of Turning Red in June 2025. This 12-episode series will feature the original cast and explore Mei’s middle school life, offering new adventures and further development of secondary characters like Miriam, Priya, and Abby. If the series is a success, it could serve as a springboard for a full-length sequel and further flesh out the universe Pixar began in the original film.
The series is expected to blend humor, heart, and more cultural insights while diving deeper into Mei’s emotional journey—giving fans more to love even before a full-blown sequel hits theaters.
Merchandising and Cultural Momentum
The continued rollout of new merchandise—including plush toys, interactive panda transformation figures by Hasbro, and exclusive Blu-ray editions—signals Disney’s ongoing investment in the franchise. A “4*Town Prize Pack” and “Furry Tales” book series for younger readers also keep momentum high.
The brand’s strong merchandising presence, coupled with fan events and increased cosplay visibility, demonstrates that Turning Red remains culturally relevant. This kind of sustained fan engagement often helps justify sequels in the Disney/Pixar playbook.
Sequel Timing and Development Status
If Pixar greenlights a sequel in 2025, based on their traditional development timelines, fans might expect Turning Red 2 sometime in 2027 or 2028. Domee Shi’s current work on Elio likely delays any immediate progress, but with the franchise’s success, it’s not out of the question that pre-production is already in motion behind closed doors.
It’s also worth noting that Pixar tends to keep sequel development under wraps until they’re ready to formally reveal a project—so silence isn’t necessarily a denial.
For now, fans will have to hold tight. The red panda may be hibernating—but she’s definitely not gone. And with Shi and Collins still enthusiastic about the world they’ve built, it’s likely only a matter of time before Mei Lee’s next chapter finds its way to the big screen.
