Few Pixar films have struck a chord quite like Coco, a movie that turned Día de los Muertos into a global celebration of family, memory, and music. Now, after years of silence from the Land of the Dead, Disney has confirmed that Coco 2 is officially in early development.
In an unexpected but welcome reveal during Disney’s annual shareholder meeting, CEO Bob Iger dropped the news without fanfare — no trailer, no sizzle reel, just the confirmation that directors Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina are returning to build on the 2017 hit that earned Pixar critical acclaim and over US$800 million at the global box office, with a tentative release window of 2029.
“While the film is just in the initial stages, we know it will be full of humour, heart and adventure,” said Iger. “And we can’t wait to share more soon.” Story details are still under wraps, and it’s unclear whether the sequel will follow Miguel again or introduce a new protagonist to explore another corner of the afterlife. Given how neatly Miguel’s journey wrapped up in the first film, it wouldn’t be surprising if the creative team decided to expand the universe. The Land of the Dead, with its rich visuals and emotional storytelling potential, offers fertile ground for new stories.
Released in 2017, Coco followed Miguel, a young boy who defies his family’s generations-old ban on music to pursue his dream of becoming a musician. His passion unexpectedly lands him in the Land of the Dead, where he searches for the truth about his great-great-grandfather while forming bonds with long-departed relatives and a spirited dog named Dante. Featuring the voices of Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, and Benjamin Bratt, the film was praised not only for its animation and music, including the Oscar-winning song ‘Remember Me’, but also for its respectful celebration of Mexican culture and family legacy.
Coco 2 joins a growing list of follow-ups currently in the works at the studio, including Toy Story 5, The Incredibles 3, and discussions around an Inside Out 3. It’s a noticeable pivot after a period of original releases, suggesting Pixar is looking to balance nostalgia with innovation as it builds its future slate.
While there’s still a long way to go before Coco 2 reaches cinemas in 2029, the return to its vibrant world already has fans buzzing. Whether it’s a new character lighting their way through the marigold bridge or a reunion with familiar faces, one thing’s certain: Pixar isn’t done singing about family, memory, and what it means to be remembered.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, and anime — you name it. When she’s not reading or being a dedicated cinephile, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of Caleb from Love and Deepspace.
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