The island isn’t finished telling stories. DreamWorks Animation has officially greenlit The Wild Robot 2, confirming that Roz, Brightbill, and Fink will return for another cinematic adventure. Troy Quane and Heidi Jo Gilbert have been tapped to direct the sequel, with original writer Chris Sanders returning to pen the script.
The Wild Robot sequel arrives after the first film became one of 2024’s most beloved animated releases. Based on Peter Brown’s bestselling book series, the original followed a robot named Roz who crash-lands on an uninhabited island and learns to adapt by befriending the local wildlife. Critics embraced its hand-drawn aesthetic and emotional depth, with many calling it DreamWorks’ strongest work in years. Audiences agreed, the film grossed over $350 million worldwide against a $78 million budget, making a follow-up inevitable.
Quane and Gilbert step into the director’s chairs after serving as story artists on the original Wild Robot. The married creative duo brings extensive animation credentials to the project. Quane previously co-directed Spies in Disguise and served as head of story on Hotel Transylvania. Gilbert’s credits include story work on Trolls, The Croods: A New Age, and multiple DreamWorks shorts.
Their promotion from within continues DreamWorks’ tradition of elevating trusted collaborators. Both artists worked closely with Sanders during the first film’s production, ensuring tonal continuity as the franchise expands.
Chris Sanders’ return as writer provides the strongest signal of creative stability. Sanders, who co-wrote and directed the original, is one of animation’s most respected voices. His filmography includes directing Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon, and The Croods, each a benchmark in modern animated storytelling.
Sanders confirmed his involvement in a brief statement, expressing excitement about continuing Roz’s journey. While plot details remain under wraps, the sequel will likely adapt events from Peter Brown’s second book, The Wild Robot Escapes, which follows Roz as she’s repaired and transported to a farm, where she must find her way back to the island and her son Brightbill.
The first film ended with Roz leaving the island against her will, setting up a clear narrative path for the sequel. Brown’s source material provides rich territory. The Wild Robot Escapes introduces new characters, raises stakes, and deepens themes of family, belonging, and what it means to be alive.
Quane and Gilbert inheritan project with passionate fans and high expectations. The original earned Academy Award nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score (Kris Bowers’ haunting work became a streaming favorite). It also won the Annie Award for Best Animated Feature, the animation industry’s highest honor.
DreamWorks has not announced a release date. The first film took approximately four years from greenlight to screen, suggesting a 2027 or 2028 arrival for the sequel. Voice casting remains unconfirmed, though Lupita Nyong’o (Roz), Kit Connor (Brightbill), and Pedro Pascal (Fink) are expected to reprise their roles.
The Wild Robot 2 arrives as DreamWorks navigates corporate transition. Universal Pictures parent company Comcast recently announced plans to spin off most NBCUniversal cable networks, including DreamWorks’ television arm. The feature animation division continues operating independently, with The Wild Robot franchise positioned as a flagship property.
The sequel also represents a rare example of DreamWorks committing to a hand-drawn/CG hybrid aesthetic. The first film’s visual style—painterly backgrounds combined with CG character animation, drew widespread praise for standing apart from the hyper-realistic look dominating competing studios. Maintaining that visual identity will be a priority for Quane, Gilbert, and returning production designer Raymond Zibach.
For fans still streaming the original, the confirmation provides something to hold onto. Roz’s story isn’t over. The island is waiting.
