Disney and Pixar revealed initial images and release details for the animated sequel Coco 2 during the D23 2026 fan convention. The new film will follow main protagonist Miguel as a teenager as he continues to pursue his passion for music.
The studios confirmed that the upcoming animated feature is scheduled for release in cinemas in November 2029. Although Pixar has not yet announced an exact day, the launch window lines up with Día de Muertos, the traditional Mexican holiday that forms the core of the franchise.
Return of Ernesto de la Cruz
The sequel will bring back the famous singer Ernesto de la Cruz as the central antagonist. Actor Benjamin Bratt will return to voice the character, who will seek revenge against Miguel after being exposed as the villain of the original story.
In the original film, de la Cruz died after being unmasked for murdering his former musical partner Héctor and stealing his songs. Pixar confirmed that de la Cruz has not forgotten those events, though the studio has kept plot details confidential and has not explained how the deceased singer will return or what his exact plan will be.
D23 is Disney's official global fan convention, held biennially to showcase upcoming film slates, animated projects, and theme park announcements. The original Coco film, produced by Pixar Animation Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, won two Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature, following its release in November 2017.
Production Team and Sequel Development
The story takes place several years after the events of the first movie, presenting Miguel in a new stage of his life. First images shown by Pixar confirm that his faithful Xoloitzcuintli dog companion, Dante, will accompany him once again on his new adventure.
Lee Unkrich and Adrián Molina, who both worked on the original 2017 film, are participating in the new production. Mark Nielsen will serve as the producer for the upcoming sequel.
Unkrich directed the original Coco alongside co-director Molina, who also co-wrote the screenplay. Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a multi-day Mexican holiday where family and friends gather to pay respects and remember friends and family members who have died. The November 2029 launch means audiences will wait nearly twelve years between the first film and its sequel, which continues the musical tradition of the original story.
