By Pixar Confirms ‘Coco 2’ for 2029 Release; Fans Share Mixed Reactions on Social Media
Fans of Pixar’s heartwarming animated film Coco have something exciting to look forward to, as Coco 2 has officially been announced. Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger confirmed on Thursday that the sequel is currently in development at Pixar Animation Studios.
“While the film is just in the initial stages, we know it will be full of humor, heart, and adventure,” Iger shared during the announcement. The sequel will bring back the creative team behind the original 2017 hit, with Lee Unkrich returning to direct alongside Adrian Molina.
Unkrich expressed his excitement about the project through an Instagram post, writing, “I’m really excited to share that I have returned to Pixar to direct Coco 2, reuniting with Adrian Molina as my co-director! We’re both deeply grateful that Coco remains so beloved, and we’ve already been having so much fun diving back into this world!”
Adding to the excitement, Anthony Gonzalez, who voiced the protagonist Miguel in the first film, hinted at his return by celebrating the sequel’s announcement on social media.
However, Coco 2 has sparked a debate among fans, with reactions being a mix of excitement and skepticism. Many fans are thrilled to return to the Land of the Dead, eager to see what new adventures Miguel will embark on. Others, however, believe that Coco was a perfect standalone film and question the need for a sequel.
One fan shared their hopes for the story’s direction, saying, “For Coco 2, hopefully, they do a time jump. Miguel is already grown up, so they can keep the original voice actor who voiced him in the original movie.“
Another fan, while cautiously optimistic, acknowledged the potential of expanding the story. “I consider Coco a phenomenal Pixar classic with a perfect ending, but if they feel they have more to tell in the Land of the Dead, then I’m definitely excited for Coco 2. Also, if these sequels are trade-offs to Corporate Disney so they can make more originals, then that’s fantastic.“
On the other hand, some fans are doubtful about whether a sequel is necessary. One comment read, “I just saw that Disney is making Coco 2? Of all the Disney movies that do not need a sequel, this is it. Coco is absolutely perfect as a stand-alone. It is emotional and captivating and has the perfect ending that wraps up the movie beautifully.“
The original Coco followed the journey of Miguel, a 12-year-old aspiring musician who accidentally finds himself in the Land of the Dead. Along the way, he uncovers hidden truths about his family’s history and learns the importance of honoring one’s roots. The film was a major success, grossing over $814 million worldwide. It also won two Academy Awards—Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for Remember Me. Additionally, it earned a Golden Globe and a BAFTA for Best Animated Film.
Beyond its box office success, Coco was a landmark film for representation. It was Pixar’s first feature to center on a Latino protagonist and featured an almost entirely Latino voice cast. The film was widely praised for its respectful and authentic depiction of Mexican culture, particularly its celebration of Día de los Muertos.
As for Coco 2, details about the storyline remain a mystery. Pixar has not yet revealed whether the sequel will pick up immediately after the events of the first film or take a time jump. However, one thing is certain—fans will have to wait a long four years before they can see the animation come to life on the big screen in 2029.
Until then, the discussion around the sequel will likely continue, with some eagerly anticipating Miguel’s next adventure while others remain unconvinced about the necessity of a follow-up to such a beloved classic.
