Coco 2 is starting to outline its story. At the D23 2026, Disney and Pixar released the first footage from the sequel to the 2017 animated film and confirmed a theatrical release in November 2029. Miguel has grown up: now a teenager, he heads back to the Land of the Dead and crosses paths with Ernesto de la Cruz, intent on exacting his revenge.
The first visuals released notably showcase teen Miguel, still accompanied by his guitar and his dog Dante. The young musician continues to chase his dream after the events of the first film, but his past in the Land of the Dead will catch up with him once again.
The centerpiece reveal from D23 centers on the return of Ernesto de la Cruz. In Coco, Miguel learns that the famed songwriter had murdered Héctor and stolen his compositions to build his career. The truth finally comes to light among the living, shattering the musician’s reputation.
This storyline will have direct consequences in Coco 2. Ernesto now holds Miguel responsible for the destruction of his legacy and returns to seek revenge. The clash sets the teenager on a new adventure in the Land of the Dead, where, despite their history, he will be forced to team up with Ernesto.
Benjamin Bratt, who had voiced the character in the original film, took part in the D23 presentation and will reprise the role of Ernesto de la Cruz.
The project was unveiled in March 2025 by Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, during the company’s annual shareholders’ meeting. Pixar then confirmed the return of the creative team behind the first chapter: Lee Unkrich, director of Coco and Toy Story 3, will helm this sequel with Adrian Molina, co-director and screenwriter of the original film. Mark Nielsen, producer of Toy Story 4 and Vice-Versa 2, will oversee production.
Released in 2017, Coco follows Miguel, a 12-year-old with a passion for music, despite a generations‑long ban from his family. Venturing into the Land of the Dead during Día de los Muertos, he gradually uncovers Héctor’s story and the true origins of Ernesto de la Cruz’s fame.
The film notably won two Oscars in 2018: Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for Remember Me. This sequel will therefore bring Miguel back years after that first adventure, a move that lets Pixar truly develop its character rather than jumping straight ahead from the end of the first film.
The D23 event marks a new milestone in the development of Coco 2: after the project was announced in 2025, Pixar now confirms a time jump, a return to the Land of the Dead, and, above all, the comeback of Ernesto de la Cruz. The studio, however, has not yet revealed the full voice cast or a precise French release date.
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