Come 2029, we might just be returning to the land of the dead with the sequel to the beloved animated film Coco.
Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger confirmed on Thursday that Coco 2 is currently in development at Pixar Animation Studios. “While the film is just in the initial stages, we know it will be full of humour, heart, and adventure,” Iger announced.
The sequel will reunite the creative team behind the 2017 original, including directors Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina. In an Instagram post, the director wrote, “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 have already been having so much fun diving back into this world!”
Anthony Gonzalez, who voiced the lead character Miguel, hinted at his return by celebrating the announcement of the sequel on his social media handles.
However, the announcement of Coco 2 has sparked mixed reactions on social media. While many fans are excited for their next adventure with Miguel, others are sceptical about whether a sequel is necessary.
One suggested, “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 said, “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 than I’m definitely excited for COCO 2. 🙂 Also if theses sequels are trade-off’s to Corporate Disney so they can make more originals than thats fantastic. I remember seeing this trailer and getting goosebumps.”
Another added, “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 so beautifully.”
The 2017 film Coco follows Miguel, a 12-year-old aspiring musician who accidentally embarks on a journey to the Land of the Dead where he uncovers his family’s history. The film was a massive success, grossing over $814 million globally and earning two Academy Awards—Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for the hit Remember Me. It also won a Golden Globe and a BAFTA for Best Animated Film.
Coco was a landmark achievement for representation, being Pixar’s first feature to centre on a Latino protagonist and featuring an almost entirely Latino voice cast.
While details about Coco 2 remain under wraps, it will still be a long 4-year wait before fans get to see the animation come alive on the big screen in 2029.
