Disney and Pixar have officially sent the internet into a frenzy. During a massive presentation at D23, studio executives pulled back the curtain on one of the most anticipated follow-ups in animation history: Coco 2.
If you thought Miguel’s journey through the Land of the Dead was completely wrapped up in 2017, think again. Pixar is diving back into the vibrant, music-filled world for a brand-new adventure slated to hit theaters in November 2029.
Here is everything we know about the upcoming blockbuster so far.
A Teenage Miguel and a Vengeful Villain
The first look at concept art showcased an older, teenage Miguel alongside his trusty, spirit-guide dog, Dante. But it wasn't just the visual evolution of Miguel that had fans talking—it was the plot details dropped by returning star Benjamin Bratt.
Bratt, who is reprising his role as the smooth-talking musician Ernesto de la Cruz, teased a high-stakes premise that flips the script on the original movie.
"To some, Miguel is a little menace who ruined a career and destroyed a legacy," Bratt told the cheering D23 crowd. "Ernesto de la Cruz is back for revenge, sending Miguel on an adventure back to the land of the dead. Proving fate has a sense of humor, Miguel must team up with a handsome superstar: me."
An uneasy alliance between a vengeful Ernesto and a teenage Miguel? Sign us up. This unexpected dynamic promises plenty of comedic friction and emotional depth, keeping true to Pixar's signature storytelling formula.
Heavy Hitters Behind the Scenes
Pixar is pulling out all the stops by bringing back original creative masterminds.
- Lee Unkrich, the Academy Award-winning director behind the original Coco (as well as Toy Story 3), is returning to direct alongside Adrian Molina. Unkrich had previously stepped away from filmmaking in 2019 to focus on his family, making his return to Pixar a massive win for animation purists.
- Mark Nielsen, a Pixar veteran whose production credits include heavy-hitting sequels like Toy Story 4 and Inside Out 2, is attached to produce.
Can Lightning Strike Twice at the Box Office?
The original Coco was a cultural phenomenon. Released over Thanksgiving weekend in 2017, it charmed critics and audiences alike, pulling in over $800 million globally and taking home two Oscars—including Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for the unforgettable earworm "Remember Me."
In recent years, Pixar has leaned heavily into proven intellectual property to drive box office momentum. Following massive billion-dollar successes like Inside Out 2 and the upcoming Toy Story 5 and The Incredibles 3, Coco 2 is positioned as the crown jewel of the studio's late-decade strategy.
While a November 2029 release date means we have a bit of a wait ahead of us, the promise of returning to the Land of the Dead with an older Miguel—and a very disgruntled Ernesto de la Cruz—proves that some stories are truly worth waiting for. Stay tuned to WhyThisBuzz as we track every update on this magical sequel!
