The Land of the Dead is calling once more. Disney and Pixar unveiled the first concept artwork for Coco 2 during the D23 fan event, and the image features the now-teenage musician Miguel alongside Dante, his loyal dog from the original film. The reveal sent fans into an emotional frenzy, and for good reason — this is one of Pixar’s most beloved franchises returning in a big way.
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What Is Coco 2?
Coco 2 is an upcoming American 3D computer-animated fantasy film produced by Pixar Animation Studios. It is a sequel to the 2017 film Coco and will be Pixar’s 35th animated feature, scheduled to be released on November 21, 2029.
Coco 2 was first announced to be in the works back in March 2025, when then-CEO Bob Iger shared the news during an Annual Meeting of Shareholders webcast. At the time, Disney CEO Bob Iger said the film would be “full of humor, heart, and adventure.”
Key Film Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Film Title | Coco 2 |
| Studio | Pixar Animation Studios / Walt Disney Pictures |
| Director | Lee Unkrich & Adrian Molina |
| Producer | Mark Nielsen |
| Release Date | November 21, 2029 |
| Franchise Position | Pixar’s 35th Animated Feature |
| Announcement | D23 Expo 2026, Anaheim |
| First Announced | March 2025 |
| Setting | Land of the Dead |
The First Look: A Teenage Miguel
The new film takes place several years after the first, with Miguel now a teenager. Three years after Miguel Rivera risked everything to bring harmony back to his family, the teenager has been filling the streets of Santa Cecilia with his music.
The concept art revealed at D23 is the first official window into what the sequel will look like visually. The character’s move into adolescence is expected to give Pixar a new perspective on his relationship with his family, music, and the spirit world.
The Plot: Ernesto de la Cruz Is Back for Revenge
The new story will reunite Miguel with several familiar faces, including Ernesto de la Cruz, the legendary singer whose carefully constructed reputation was dismantled during the events of Coco. Benjamin Bratt, who provided Ernesto’s voice in the first film, is returning for the sequel. This time, however, the character will have a personal score to settle with Miguel.
While appearing at D23, Bratt spoke about the film, saying: “To some, Miguel is a little menace who ruined a career and destroyed a legacy…Ernesto de la Cruz is back for revenge, sending Miguel on an adventure back to the land of the dead. Proving fate has a sense of humor, Miguel must team up with a handsome superstar: me.”
Hector will also be back for the new film. The songwriting team from Coco will write new music for the sequel, which is set to release in 2029.
The Creative Team Behind Coco 2
The sequel to Coco was announced in March 2025, with Lee Unkrich returning as director alongside Adrian Molina, who co-wrote the original film. Mark Nielsen will produce.
The November release window means that the movie will come nearly 12 years after the original movie, which came to theaters on November 22, 2017. Although Pixar didn’t announce the exact date, the schedule makes sense since the Day of the Dead occurs on November 1 and 2.
Creative & Production Team
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Director | Lee Unkrich |
| Co-Director | Adrian Molina |
| Producer | Mark Nielsen |
| Music / Songs | Original Coco Songwriting Team (returning) |
| Original Story | Lee Unkrich, Adrian Molina |
The Original Cast: Who Is Confirmed So Far?
Benjamin Bratt is now the first confirmed cast member to make his return. However, it is unclear whether Anthony Gonzalez will reprise Miguel in the upcoming sequel or whether Pixar plans to recast the role.
The original film starred Anthony Gonzalez as Miguel, Gael García Bernal as Héctor, Benjamin Bratt as Ernesto de la Cruz, Alanna Ubach as Mamá Imelda, Renée Victor as Abuelita, and Ana Ofelia Murguía as Mamá Coco, who has since passed away.
Cast Overview
| Actor | Character | Status for Coco 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Anthony Gonzalez | Miguel Rivera | Unconfirmed (May be recast) |
| Benjamin Bratt | Ernesto de la Cruz | Confirmed Returning |
| Gael García Bernal | Héctor | Expected to Return |
| Alanna Ubach | Mamá Imelda | Expected to Return |
| Renée Victor | Abuelita | Expected to Return |
Looking Back: Why the Original Coco Was a Phenomenon
Coco became a global sensation, grossing $823 million worldwide and winning the Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature as well as Best Original Song for “Remember Me.” The original film also won the Golden Globe for Best Animated Motion Picture, BAFTA for Best Animated Film, and Critics’ Choice Awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Song.
Original vs. Sequel: A Quick Comparison
| Detail | Coco (2017) | Coco 2 (2029) |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | November 22, 2017 | November 21, 2029 |
| Director | Lee Unkrich | Lee Unkrich & Adrian Molina |
| Main Character Age | 12 years old | Teenager |
| Box Office | $823 Million | TBD |
| Academy Awards | 2 (Best Animated Feature & Best Original Song) | TBD |
| Villain | Ernesto de la Cruz | Ernesto de la Cruz (Returns for Revenge) |
Beyond the Film: Coco’s Expanding Universe
The excitement around the franchise does not stop at the sequel. Disney is currently constructing a new Coco ride at its California Adventure theme park in Anaheim, with an opening date set for sometime next year. It was also announced at D23 that Coco will be featured in the video game Kingdom Hearts IV in 2027.
Read More: Incredibles 3 Officially Announced: The Parr Family Returns to Theatres on 2028
FAQs
When will Coco 2 be released in theatres?
Coco 2 will be Pixar’s 35th animated feature, scheduled to be released on November 21, 2029.
What is Coco 2 about?
Ernesto de la Cruz has a personal score to settle with Miguel. He was revealed in the original Coco to have built his career on music stolen from Héctor, Miguel’s great-great-grandfather. The sequel sends Miguel back to the Land of the Dead to face the consequences.
Who is directing Coco 2?
Coco 2 reunites the team behind the original film, including director Lee Unkrich and co-director Adrian Molina.
Who is confirmed to return in Coco 2?
Benjamin Bratt is back for Coco 2 as Ernesto de la Cruz, the villain from the original 2017 film. Héctor is also expected to return, while Miguel’s casting remains unconfirmed.
When was Coco 2 first announced?
The film was announced on Pixar’s social media feeds on March 20, 2025. The first look and the official November 2029 release date were both confirmed at D23 Expo 2026 in Anaheim, California.
