Disney has officially announced a sequel to its beloved animated hit Coco, with the film slated for a theatrical release in 2029. The announcement came during the company’s annual shareholder meeting, where CEO Bob Iger confirmed that the project is in its early development stages. He hinted that while the creative team is still shaping the story, fans can expect a heartfelt continuation filled with humor, adventure, and the emotional depth that made the original so iconic.
Iger expressed his excitement, stating, “While the film is just in the initial stages, we know it will be full of humor, heart, and adventure. And we can’t wait to share more soon.” This revelation sparked immediate buzz among fans of the original film, who have long hoped for a return to the vibrant, music-filled world of Miguel and his family.
The original Coco, released in 2017, became an instant cultural phenomenon, earning over $800 million globally and securing two Academy Awards — Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for the unforgettable "Remember Me." Beyond its commercial success, the film was widely praised for its respectful and heartfelt portrayal of Mexican culture, traditions, and the powerful theme of honoring one’s ancestors. It resonated with audiences worldwide, particularly in Mexico, where it became the country’s highest-grossing film of all time.
Coco followed the journey of 12-year-old Miguel Rivera, a young boy with an unrelenting passion for music despite his family’s strict, generational ban on it. On Día de los Muertos — the Mexican holiday that celebrates and remembers loved ones who have passed away — Miguel accidentally crosses into the Land of the Dead. There, he meets his deceased relatives and uncovers the truth about his great-great-grandfather, Ernesto de la Cruz, a legendary musician who Miguel idolizes. In an emotional twist, Miguel learns that Ernesto wasn’t the hero he believed him to be, and his true great-great-grandfather was Héctor, a humble musician who only wanted to return to his family. Through his journey, Miguel restores his family’s love for music, mends broken ties, and returns to the living world with a renewed sense of purpose — to share his gift of music with the world while honoring his ancestors’ memories.
Although Disney remains tight-lipped about the sequel’s plot, speculation is already running wild among fans. One of the biggest questions is: where will Miguel’s story go next? Many are hoping to see him as a teenager or young adult, navigating his burgeoning music career while staying connected to his family’s traditions. Some fans even theorize that the sequel could explore more of the Rivera family’s past, potentially introducing new characters from the Land of the Dead or other branches of Miguel’s family tree.
Another exciting possibility is the return of familiar faces. Will Héctor, Mama Imelda, and the rest of the vibrant spirits from the Land of the Dead make an appearance? Considering the emotional bond Miguel formed with his ancestors, it’s likely the sequel will continue to explore the idea of family — both living and dead — and the importance of keeping their stories alive.
Music played a pivotal role in Coco, with its stunning, heartfelt soundtrack contributing to the film’s emotional depth. Fans are eagerly awaiting news on whether the original songwriting team, including Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, will return to compose new songs that could rival "Remember Me" in emotional impact. Given how that song became a cultural touchstone, a new signature melody could define the sequel in a similar way.
Pixar’s history with sequels — from Toy Story to Finding Dory and Incredibles 2 — suggests they’ll approach this with the same level of care and creativity that made Coco a timeless classic. With advances in animation technology, the sequel also has the potential to be even more visually stunning, bringing the Land of the Dead to life with richer detail, more vibrant colors, and breathtaking landscapes.
The 2029 release may feel like a long wait, but Disney’s announcement has already sparked excitement across social media, with fans sharing their hopes and dreams for Miguel’s next adventure. If the sequel captures even a fraction of the original’s magic — blending music, culture, and heartfelt storytelling — it’s destined to become another emotional, unforgettable journey that honors the past while inspiring the future.
