Coco 2: Miguel's Teen Return
Pixar Confirms 'Coco 2' for 2029, Featuring Teen Miguel and Ernesto's Revenge Plot
Key Points
Coco 2 will include a tie-in with the Kingdom Hearts IV game, featuring a Coco world as part of the crossover between Pixar and the popular video game franchise.
Hector, Miguel's ally from the original Coco, is confirmed to return in Coco 2, continuing to play a role in the Land of the Dead adventure.
Disney is developing a new Coco-themed ride at Disney California Adventure in Anaheim, with an opening date set for sometime next year.
The original Coco songwriting team is set to compose new music for the Coco 2 sequel, building on the musical roots of the first film.
Benjamin Bratt, who portrays Ernesto de la Cruz, described the character as returning for revenge and teased Miguel's journey, joking that Miguel must team up with a 'handsome superstar' to confront the threat.
Pixar officially confirmed Coco 2 at D23, setting a November 2029 release date for the long-awaited sequel. Head Topics reports that Miguel returns as a teenager, years after the events of the original film, and the villain Ernesto de la Cruz is back — this time seeking revenge.
Benjamin Bratt reprises his role as Ernesto, joking that Miguel must team up with a "handsome superstar" to face the threat. The announcement was part of a packed D23 showcase that also included first looks at Incredibles 3 and Ghost Market, both set for 2028.
Teenage Miguel and a Villain Out for Revenge
The sequel picks up several years after the first Coco. Miguel is now a teenager still chasing his dream of music, despite his family's objections. Concept art shown at D23 features an older Miguel walking alongside his dog Dante. A touching reunion with Grandma Coco was also teased, according to Head Topics.
Ernesto de la Cruz, the treacherous music legend from the first film, returns with a new motive: revenge. Hector, Miguel's loyal ally from the Land of the Dead, is also confirmed to return. The story sends Miguel back into the Land of the Dead for new adventures filled with music and danger.
Original Filmmakers Reunite to Lead the Sequel
Lee Unkrich, who directed the original 2017 Coco, returns to co-direct the sequel alongside Adrian Molina, who co-wrote the first film. Mark Nielsen will produce. Pixar is leaning on the same creative team that made the original a global hit, earning over $807 million at the worldwide box office.
The original songwriting team is also back to write new music for the sequel. Music was central to the first film's success, with "Remember Me" winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song. That musical DNA will carry into Coco 2.
Pixar's Busiest Slate in Years Takes Shape at D23
Coco 2 is just one piece of a crowded Pixar pipeline revealed at D23. Mod Bee reports that Pixar also showed first looks at Incredibles 3 and Ghost Market, both targeting a 2028 release. Pixar chief creative officer Pete Docter confirmed that Violet and Dash will take center stage in Incredibles 3.
Beyond movies, Disney is building a new Coco-themed ride at Disney California Adventure in Anaheim, with an opening planned for next year. The franchise is also crossing into gaming — a Coco world is set to appear as part of a tie-in with Kingdom Hearts IV, linking Pixar to the beloved video game series.
What the Sequel Means for Pixar's Comeback Strategy
Pixar has struggled at the box office in recent years, with several films going straight to Disney+. Returning to beloved franchises like Coco and The Incredibles signals a deliberate shift. The studio is betting that familiar characters — and original creative teams — can draw audiences back to theaters.
With three major films now dated between 2028 and 2029, Pixar's release calendar looks fuller than it has in years. The D23 event gave fans their clearest sign yet that the studio is serious about rebuilding its theatrical presence. Coco 2's November 2029 slot puts it squarely in the holiday window — prime real estate for animated blockbusters.
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