Fans asking is Coco 2 coming out finally have an answer straight from Disney. Pixar confirmed the long-awaited sequel during its D23 fan event, revealing a target release window and a returning cast member central to the original story.
The announcement puts years of speculation to rest. Disney had teased a follow-up to the beloved 2017 film for months, but Friday’s presentation marked the first time the studio shared concrete plot details, concept art, and a specific voice actor confirmation.
Coco 2 Release Date: What Disney Has Confirmed
Pixar set Coco 2 for a November 2029 theatrical release. Several outlets reported the specific date as November 21, 2029, though some Disney-affiliated posts have since removed the exact year, suggesting the studio may still be finalizing the calendar slot.
Either way, the sequel arrives nearly 12 years after the original film hit theaters on November 22, 2017. That gap makes Coco 2 one of the longest-awaited sequels in recent Pixar history.
Quick timeline:
- March 2025 — Former Disney CEO Bob Iger announces the sequel is in development.
- August 2026 — Pixar reveals plot details, concept art, and casting at D23.
- November 2029 — Targeted theatrical release window.
Benjamin Bratt Returns As Ernesto de la Cruz
The biggest reveal at D23 involved Benjamin Bratt. He confirmed on stage that he will reprise his role as Ernesto de la Cruz, the disgraced musician villain from the first film.
Bratt leaned into the character’s dramatic return during his announcement. He joked that Miguel is remembered by some as “a little menace who ruined a career and destroyed a legacy.” He then teased the sequel’s central conflict, explaining that Ernesto de la Cruz is coming back for revenge and will pull Miguel into another journey through the Land of the Dead.
Ernesto’s return raises real questions. The character appeared to die at the end of the first film after a bell crushed him following his public exposure as a fraud and murderer. Coco 2 confirms he somehow survived, though Pixar has not detailed how.
What The Story Will Focus On
Coco 2 jumps forward several years from the original film. Miguel, once a 12-year-old boy chasing his musical dreams, now appears as a teenager navigating a new adventure.
Concept art shown at D23 depicted an older Miguel walking alongside his dog Dante. Another image showed an emotional reunion between Miguel and his beloved Mamá Coco in the Land of the Dead.
Key plot elements revealed so far:
- Miguel is now a teenager, several years removed from the events of the first film.
- Ernesto de la Cruz returns seeking revenge against Miguel.
- Miguel must team up with Ernesto despite their history.
- The story sends Miguel back into the Land of the Dead.
- Grandma Coco appears in new concept art, alongside Dante.
It remains unclear whether Héctor, Miguel’s musician ancestor from the original film, will play a major role in the sequel. Pixar has not confirmed his involvement beyond early teases.
Creative Team Returning Behind The Camera
Coco 2 reunites much of the award-winning team from the first film. Lee Unkrich returns to direct, working alongside co-director Adrian Molina, who also co-wrote the original movie. Mark Nielsen is attached to produce.
The songwriting team behind the original film’s music will also return to write new songs for the sequel. That team previously won an Academy Award for “Remember Me,” the emotional centerpiece song from the first Coco.
Cast Details Still Taking Shape
Benjamin Bratt stands as the only voice actor Pixar has officially confirmed for Coco 2 so far. It remains unclear whether Anthony Gonzalez, who voiced Miguel in the original, will return to voice the character as a teenager, or whether Pixar plans to recast the role given the time jump.
Disney has not released further casting news beyond Bratt’s confirmation. More announcements are expected as the film moves closer to production and release.
Why Coco 2 Matters For Pixar’s Franchise Strategy
The sequel makes Coco the seventh Pixar property to become a franchise, joining titles like Toy Story, Cars, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, and Inside Out. It also marks Pixar’s second 2010s-era film to receive a sequel, following Inside Out.
The original Coco earned strong reviews and box office results upon release. It grossed more than $822 million worldwide and won two Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for “Remember Me.”
Coco 2 was announced alongside other major Pixar sequel news at D23. The studio also revealed details on Incredibles 3, which centers on Violet, Dash, and Jack-Jack and targets a summer 2028 release. Pixar used the event to lay out its release calendar for the next several years, positioning Coco 2 as one of its most anticipated upcoming films.
Coco 2 Release Timeline At A Glance
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Original Coco release | November 22, 2017 |
| Sequel first announced | March 2025 |
| D23 plot and cast reveal | August 2026 |
| Coco 2 targeted release | November 2029 |
What Fans Can Expect Next
Pixar has not released a trailer for Coco 2, and full casting beyond Benjamin Bratt has not been announced. Expect additional details, including possible confirmation of Miguel’s voice actor, closer to the film’s production timeline.
For now, the answer to is there gonna be a Coco 2 is a confirmed yes, backed by a returning creative team, a returning villain, and a story that pushes Miguel into teenage years he has yet to face on screen.
What do you think Ernesto de la Cruz’s return means for Miguel’s next journey? Share your thoughts and stay tuned for more Coco 2 updates.