While Pixar’s 2025 release Elio is just around the corner, the animation studio is already setting its sights on the future. During Disney’s 2025 annual shareholder meeting, CEO Bob Iger confirmed that Pixar is in early development on Coco 2, set for a 2029 release.
The announcement has left fans speculating about where the beloved story could go next, and one theory stands out—could the sequel flip the original’s premise and have one of Miguel’s ancestors accidentally return to the Land of the Living?
A New Twist on Día de Los Muertos
The first Coco followed 12-year-old Miguel as he accidentally entered the Land of the Dead, where he discovered the truth about his great-great-grandfather Héctor and helped Mamá Coco reunite with her father. The film ended with a touching resolution, as Miguel returned home and restored his family’s lost musical legacy.
A possible sequel could explore the opposite scenario: an ancestor accidentally crossing over into the Land of the Living during Día de Los Muertos—but getting stuck there. This would allow Pixar to showcase even more of Mexican culture, particularly the traditions surrounding honoring and remembering the dead.
Who Could Cross Over?
While Héctor’s story was central to Coco, it’s unlikely he’d return as the main focus. Mamá Coco herself recently crossed over, and it would be touching to see her finally spend time with her parents in the afterlife. However, another less-explored family member could be the perfect choice for the sequel.
One possibility is Victoria, the sister of Miguel’s grandmother Elena. Little is known about her, and since she wasn’t married at the time of her death, there’s room to explore her backstory.
Perhaps someone from Victoria’s past—a long-lost lover or distant relative—unexpectedly places her photo on their ofrenda, summoning her back to the world of the living. If she accidentally gets trapped, Miguel might have to help her find a way back before it’s too late.
A Worthy Sequel to an Oscar-Winning Classic
With Coco winning two Academy Awards and touching hearts worldwide, Coco 2 has big shoes to fill. However, with the original creative team returning, fans can expect a sequel that stays true to its emotional core—while bringing new surprises.
Until then, fans can stream Coco on Disney+ and keep an eye out for Pixar’s other upcoming projects, including Elio, hitting theaters on June 20, 2025.
