Pixar Confirms ‘Coco 2’ Release Date as Ernesto de la Cruz Seeks Revenge on Miguel

Pixar’s 2017 musical masterpiece has captured the hearts of fans for nearly a decade, blending heartfelt family storytelling with a vibrant celebration of Día de los Muertos that resonated far beyond its original box office success. Since Disney announced a sequel was in the works, fans have eagerly awaited any insights into what this next chapter might entail.

The anticipation has continued for over a year, with details about the follow-up largely kept under wraps since its initial announcement. D23 has increasingly become the platform where Pixar chooses to unveil updates on such projects, and this year’s event was no exception.

During the Disney Entertainment Showcase, Pixar officially confirmed ‘Coco 2‘, announcing that the sequel will hit theaters on November 21, 2029. Alongside this announcement, new concept art was revealed, showcasing a much older version of the franchise’s beloved hero. The artwork features a teenage Miguel walking with his dog Dante, sporting a fresh haircut while still carrying his signature guitar.

Actor Benjamin Bratt took the stage to confirm he’s reprising his role as the film’s central villain, Ernesto de la Cruz, teasing the character’s return with a playful warning to the audience. “Prepare yourselves, amigos. De la Cruz will be back,” Bratt told the D23 crowd, further elaborating on his character’s motivations in the sequel.

Bratt described his character’s darker turn, framing Ernesto’s return as motivated by vengeance. “To some, Miguel is a little menace who ruined a career and destroyed a legacy,” Bratt explained. “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.”

The reveal confirms that ‘Coco 2’ takes place several years after the original film, with Miguel now navigating adolescence instead of childhood. Reports from the panel also indicated that Miguel’s abuela will play a significant role in guiding the teenager through his return to the Land of the Dead.

Behind the scenes, original ‘Coco’ director Lee Unkrich is returning to helm the sequel alongside Adrian Molina, who co-wrote and co-directed the 2017 film. Mark Nielsen, a Pixar veteran known for producing hits like ‘Toy Story 4’ and ‘Inside Out 2’, is also attached to produce the new installment.

Unkrich brings a distinguished résumé to the project, having previously won an Oscar for directing ‘Toy Story 3’ and co-directed early Pixar classics like ‘Finding Nemo’, ‘Monsters, Inc.’, and ‘Toy Story 2’. He had initially stepped away from directing in 2019 to spend more time with his family before returning for this sequel.

The songwriting team behind the original film’s beloved soundtrack, including Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, is expected to contribute new music for the sequel, continuing the musical tradition that defined the first film’s emotional core. The original ‘Coco’ grossed $822.4 million worldwide after its 2017 release, becoming both a critical and commercial success for the studio.

Pixar’s decision to release ‘Coco 2’ in November mirrors the original film’s Thanksgiving-weekend release strategy, aligning perfectly with the Día de los Muertos holiday. It remains uncertain whether Anthony Gonzalez, who voiced the original Miguel, will return to voice the character as a teenager in the sequel.

With a confirmed release date and Ernesto’s vengeful return, ‘Coco 2’ has quickly become one of the most anticipated entries in Pixar’s upcoming slate.

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