‘Coco 2’ Is Officially in Development — Here’s What We Know

By  Kiko Martinez

Progression Image 3 of 3: Final Frame..ASPIRING MUSICIAN — In Disney•Pixar’s “Coco,” Miguel (voice of newcomer Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like the celebrated Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt). But when he strums his idol’s guitar, he sets off a mysterious chain of events. Directed by Lee Unkrich, co-directed by Adrian Molina and produced by Darla K. Anderson, “Coco” opens in theaters Nov. 22, 2017.

'Coco' still courtesy of Disney-Pixar

We’ll soon be crossing over the marigold bridge once again for a sequel to the Oscar-winning 2017 animated film Coco.

During an annual meeting of shareholders on Thursday (March 20), Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger announced that Coco 2 was officially in development with Disney and Pixar. The film is scheduled to be released at theaters in 2029.

“While the film is just in the initial stages, we know it will be full of humor, heart and adventure,” Iger said. “And we can’t wait to share more soon.”

The original Coco tells the story of a 12-year-old boy and aspiring musician named Miguel who travels to the Land of the Dead where he hopes to learn about his family history. Remezcla called it “a beautiful, heartwarming, and visually exceptional achievement” and “the best animated film of the year.”

The new feature film will reunite director Lee Unkrich and co-director Adrian Molina. Unkrich won an Oscar for Best Animated Feature for the first film. Molina, unfortunately, did not win an Oscar because rules stipulate that “a maximum of two persons may be designated as nominees.” The second Oscar recipient was producer Darla K. Anderson.

The film also won an Academy Award for Best Original Song (“Remember Me”). Could Coco 2 produce another song as emotionally resonant as that one? We can only dream and have our Kleenex ready.

The original voice cast of Coco included Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, Alanna Ubach, Renée Victor, Ana Ofelia Murguía and Edward James Olmos. We’re not sure yet which of them will be returning, however, Murguía, the voice of Mama Coco, died last year at the age of 90.

Whoever is involved, we’re sure the sequel will be just as heartfelt and meaningful as the first.

 

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