Coco 2 is officially moving forward with a November 2029 release window. In the next sequel, Miguel will be a teenager and will go back to the Land of the Dead. As Ernesto de la Cruz, Benjamin Bratt will come back as someone who wants to get even.
There is also new concept art for D23 that shows Miguel with Dante and makes me think of an emotional reunion with Grandma Coco. More cast and release information are still to come.
What Did Pixar Reveal About Coco 2 at D23?
Image © 2026 Disney
The most detailed news about Coco 2 from Pixar was shared at the D23 event in August. The second part is set to come out in November 2029 and will follow Miguel as a teenager. Benjamin Bratt is coming back as Ernesto de la Cruz. Miguel is sent back to the Land of the Dead, where he seeks revenge against Ernesto.
This new concept art also shows Miguel as a teenager with Dante and suggests that he will meet up with Grandma Coco again.
What Is the Coco 2 Release Date?
Coco 2 is expected to hit theaters in November 2029, although Disney has not announced an exact release date. The timing is more specific than the broad 2029 window first shared when the movie was announced.
Then-Disney CEO Bob Iger revealed the sequel in March 2025 and said the project was still in the early stages, adding that it would have humor, heart, and adventure.
- Release window: Disney now plans to release Coco 2 in November 2029, but no exact day has been confirmed.
- Creative team: Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina are returning as directors, while Mark Nielsen is producing the film.
- Franchise legacy: The original film won two Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for “Remember Me,” and Nielsen previously worked on Pixar movies such as Toy Story 4 and Inside Out 2.
The announcement makes sense as another long-term Pixar franchise move, with The Incredibles and Toy Story continuing through movies. Bratt’s comments suggest a wider world and more difficult choices for Miguel, but fans can only guess how “proving fate has twists” will shape the story.
Why Is Teen Miguel Returning to the Land of the Dead?
The story moves forward several years after the first movie, with Miguel now shown as a teenager. Pixar’s first look shows teenage Miguel alongside Dante. The plot changes when Ernesto de la Cruz returns. Benjamin Bratt will reprise the deceased musician and said Ernesto sees Miguel as a “little menace who ruined a career and destroyed a legacy.”
- Revenge plot: Bratt said “Ernesto de la Cruz is back for revenge,” sending Miguel on a new adventure to the Land of the Dead.
- Unexpected alliance: Variety reported that Miguel will have to work with Ernesto, whom Bratt jokingly called a “handsome superstar,” creating a surprising twist between former enemies.
- New chapter: The sequel builds on the original film, where Miguel was accidentally transported to the Land of the Dead while following his love of music, but Pixar has not explained how Ernesto returns or how the partnership begins.
Will Miguel Reunite With Grandma Coco in Coco 2?
One of the most emotional updates comes from concept art shown at D23. Comic Book reported that the image shows Miguel reunited with Grandma Coco in the Land of the Dead. If the scene remains in the finished movie, it would give the sequel a direct emotional link to the family story at the center of the first film.
- Family reunion: The reported concept art shows Miguel meeting Coco again after knowing her while she was alive in the original film.
- What is confirmed: Pixar has shown the reunion visually, but the company has not explained how large Coco’s role will be or how the scene fits into the wider plot.
- What remains unknown: Pixar has not confirmed every returning cast member, so fans should not assume Héctor, Miguel’s great-great-grandfather, his baby sister, or other family members will appear. Bratt’s comments remain the clearest story guide, while more cast, development, and release details are expected before the sequel reaches theaters.
Final Thoughts
Coco 2 is shaping up as a major new chapter for Miguel and his family. Pixar has revealed teenage Miguel, Ernesto de la Cruz’s revenge, and a return to the Land of the Dead. With a November 2029 release window, fans still have a long wait, but more story and cast updates should arrive as production continues.
FAQs
Yes. Coco 2 is officially in development at Pixar and Disney, with Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina returning to direct and Mark Nielsen producing.
Miguel will be a teenager in Coco 2, as the sequel takes place several years after the original film, where he was 12 years old.
Yes. Benjamin Bratt will reprise Ernesto de la Cruz, who returns for revenge and sends Miguel on another adventure in the Land of the Dead.
Yes. Benjamin Bratt will reprise Ernesto de la Cruz, who returns for revenge and sends Miguel on another adventure in the Land of the Dead.
D23 concept art reportedly shows Miguel reuniting with Grandma Coco in the Land of the Dead, but Pixar has not revealed how large her role will be.