A sequel to 2017’s award-winning movie Coco has been confirmed, but its release date brings disappointing news for fans. The Día de los Muertos-inspired film remains one of Pixar’s most beloved, featuring a beautiful Latino soundtrack whose Oscar-winning song “Remember Me” has left a mark on audiences worldwide. While more songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda aren’t guaranteed yet, original directors Lee Unkrich (Toy Story 3) and Adrian Molina return alongside producer Mark Nielsen (Toy Story 4, Inside Out 2).
While Coco 2’s cast has not been confirmed, Anthony Gonzalez and Gael García Bernal are expected to reprise their roles as Miguel and Héctor, along with Coco’s big Rivera family tree. With Coco boasting a 97% Rotten Tomatoes score, its sequel has big shoes to fill — possibly explaining its long development period. However, Coco 2’s four-year gap may also be influenced by Disney’s broader release and development strategy for the coming years.
Coco 2 Is Confirmed, But It’s Not Releasing Until 2029
Coco 2 Will Spend 4 Years In Development
Coco 2 has officially been confirmed and is set for a theatrical release in 2029, establishing a production period of four years. The original film introduced Miguel, a 12-year-old aspiring musician who journeys to the Land of the ᴅᴇᴀᴅ in search of the one relative who will support his dream. Coco became a global sensation upon its release, earning widespread acclaim for its heartfelt storytelling and vibrant celebration of Mexican culture and music.
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Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed Coco 2 is still in its early stages but promises it “will be full of humor, heart and adventure.” (via ᴅᴇᴀᴅline) Considering its four-year development window, it seems the studio is clearly aiming for a sequel that matches or even surpᴀsses the success of the original. Notably, Inside Out 2 outperformed its predecessor at the box office, and the same should be expected for Coco 2. For those wondering why executives would announce it so early, there’s a simple explanation.
Coco 2’s Release Plan Fits Disney’s Development Schedule
Coco 2 Has To Come Out After Frozen 3 & Frozen 4
While fans may be frustrated by the four-year wait for Coco 2, the long timeline isn’t unusual for Pixar. The studio is following its standard procedures, as it usually announces projects years in advance. Frozen 3’ long development has been explained too, having been announced in 2023 and set to come out in 2027. Notably, the original Coco was in development for six years, from 2011 to its 2017 debut, suggesting its sequel will follow a similarly meticulous process to ensure the same level of quality and storytelling.
Additionally, Disney typically schedules one animated film from Disney Animation and one from Pixar each year, which explains why Coco 2 is set for a later release. With Frozen 3 and Frozen 4 breaking a common Disney trend, as they arrive in consecutive years, the studio is likely spacing out its major projects. This year’s lineup includes Zootopia 2 and Elio, maintaining Disney’s standard release pattern. Since Moana 3 has yet to be confirmed, it’s possible Disney is making Coco’s sequel a top priority. However, the big question remains: which Disney animated film will accompany Coco 2 in 2029?
Sources: Rotten Tomatoes, ᴅᴇᴀᴅline