Pixar Announces Sequel to Coco with November 2029 Release
Pixar has confirmed that a sequel to Coco, titled Coco 2, will enter production with a planned release in November 2029, marking a major addition to its animated slate.
Pixar has confirmed a Coco sequel titled Coco 2 will be released in November 2029, with Benjamin Bratt returning as Ernesto de la Cruz and directors Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina attached to the project.
Pixar has announced a sequel to the film Coco, titled Coco 2. The sequel will be released in November 2029 and will feature a teenage Miguel returning as the protagonist. Benjamin Bratt will reprise his role as Ernesto de la Cruz. Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina are attached to direct, according to reports. Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed the project’s development, though specific details about the story remain undisclosed. The original Coco, released in 2017, became a cultural phenomenon by centering on Mexico’s Día de los Muertos and a young boy’s journey through the afterlife. Produced by Pixar and distributed by Walt Disney Studios, the film earned critical acclaim and multiple awards, including the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Its success established a franchise that has since expanded into merchandise, theme park attractions, and short films. The sequel represents a continuation of the studio’s investment in culturally rooted storytelling and family-oriented animation. The announcement arrives amid Disney’s broader strategy to expand its animated portfolio with high-profile sequels. With a confirmed 2029 release window, Coco 2 signals a long-term commitment to the franchise while leveraging Pixar’s creative team to build on the original’s legacy. Its production timeline also aligns with Disney’s upcoming slate of animated features, suggesting a deliberate pacing to ensure quality over rushed output.
Pixar confirms sequel to Coco
Pixar and Disney have officially confirmed the development of a sequel to Coco, titled Coco 2, with Disney CEO Bob Iger announcing the project during a recent corporate update. The film is positioned as a direct follow-up to the 2017 original, which remains one of Pixar’s highest-grossing and critically acclaimed titles. Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina are attached to direct, with Benjamin Bratt set to reprise his role as Ernesto de la Cruz. A teenage version of Miguel will lead the story. The sequel is slated for a November 2029 theatrical release. Production is currently in its initial stages, according to reports. The Coco franchise is a product of Pixar Animation Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios. Further details about the plot and additional cast members have not been disclosed.
Returning cast and creative team
Benjamin Bratt will reprise his role as Ernesto de la Cruz in Coco 2, bringing continuity to the film’s musical and familial themes. Directors Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina, who co-directed the first film, are attached to helm the sequel, though their involvement remains subject to ongoing development. The sequel moves the story forward with a teenage Miguel, deepening the exploration of music’s role across generations. Pixar continues its partnership with Walt Disney Studios on the project, aiming for a November 2029 release. This return of key creative figures signals a deliberate effort to preserve the emotional and cultural core of the original while expanding its narrative reach.
Production timeline and release plans
Pixar has slated Coco 2 for a November 2029 release, positioning the sequel among its upcoming titles ahead of the holiday season. The film is currently in the initial stages of production, with no confirmed timeline for principal photography or animation milestones beyond this early phase. According to reports, the sequel will feature a teenage Miguel and see Benjamin Bratt reprise his role as Ernesto de la Cruz. Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina are attached to direct, though details about the broader creative team remain unconfirmed. The project was first confirmed by Disney CEO Bob Iger, who emphasized its place within the broader Pixar slate. The Coco franchise, produced by Pixar Animation Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios, continues to expand with this next chapter.
Franchise context and strategic significance
Pixar Animation Studios has built the Coco franchise into a sustained cultural presence across merchandise, theme park experiences and now a confirmed sequel. Disney’s decision to greenlight Coco 2 reflects its broader strategy of extending successful animated properties into multi-year franchise plans. The November 2029 release, announced by CEO Bob Iger, signals a long-term commitment to the world of Mexico’s Día de los Muertos, with the film positioned as a natural extension of the original’s legacy. Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina are attached to direct, continuing their creative involvement. The return of Benjamin Bratt as Ernesto de la Cruz adds continuity to the story. As a Disney-owned property, Coco 2 fits within a larger pattern of franchise expansion, reinforcing Pixar’s role in shaping enduring intellectual properties for the studio and its parent.
Frequently asked questions
Is Coco 2 actually in production?
Yes. A sequel to Coco is in production. Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed the film's production. The Coco franchise is produced by Pixar Animation Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios.
When will Coco 2 be released?
Coco 2 is scheduled for release in November 2029. The release date was confirmed as part of the film's announcement.
Who is directing Coco 2?
Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina are listed as directors of Coco 2. They are returning to direct the sequel to the original Coco film.
Will Benjamin Bratt return as Ernesto de la Cruz?
Yes. Actor Benjamin Bratt will reprise his role as Ernesto de la Cruz in Coco 2. His return was confirmed in the production details.
What is the storyline focus in Coco 2?
Coco 2 will feature a teenage version of Miguel. The film continues the story of the original Coco, focusing on his journey as a teenager within the same musical and cultural universe.
