At this year's D23 Expo, Disney and Pixar finally put years of speculation to rest: Coco 2 is real, and it's coming. The announcement came with a first-look poster showing Miguel as a teenager, guitar in hand and Dante at his side, signaling a story that moves beyond the wide-eyed boy we met in 2017.
But the biggest shock wasn't Miguel's age—it was the return of Ernesto de la Cruz. The smooth-talking, morally bankrupt crooner who nearly cost Miguel his family is back, and this time he's not just a memory. According to Pixar, de la Cruz is out for revenge, and he's ready to make Miguel's life complicated both in the Land of the Living and the Land of the Dead.
A more mature Miguel, a darker threat
Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina, the creative duo behind the original film, are back to steer this sequel. They've hinted that Miguel's past adventures will have consequences he never anticipated. As a teenager, he's no longer just sneaking into mausoleums—he's facing real moral dilemmas and dangers that test his courage and his loyalty to family.
Benjamin Bratt will once again voice Ernesto de la Cruz, bringing that charm and menace that made the character so memorable. The filmmakers promise a plot that blends nostalgia with a more mature tone, aiming to resonate with the now-grown kids who fell in love with the first movie, as well as a new generation of viewers.
For many in the Latino community, Coco was more than a cartoon—it was a celebration of Día de los Muertos, of abuelitas and their recipes, of the music that runs through our veins. The sequel has a lot to live up to, and Pixar seems aware of that weight. They're not just making a cash grab; they're trying to honor the cultural roots that made the original so special.
While details are still scarce, the creative team has teased that Miguel's journey will explore themes of identity and legacy, questions that hit differently when you're no longer a child. It's a smart direction, one that acknowledges that our relationship with family and tradition evolves as we grow.
Mark your calendars: November 2029
The official release window is November 2029, though an exact date hasn't been locked in. That's still a few years away, but the announcement has already sent waves of excitement across social media. Fans are sharing their theories, their hopes, and their fears about what de la Cruz's revenge could mean for Miguel and his family.
Pixar has a history of delivering sequels that expand the world rather than just repeating it—think Toy Story 2 or Finding Dory. If Coco 2 follows that pattern, we're in for something that feels both familiar and fresh.
As we wait, there's plenty of other Latino culture to keep us busy. If you're in the mood for music, Karol G's new album announcement has fans buzzing, and her recent Toronto show took an unexpected turn when a young fan chose a Shakira hit—proof that our musical loyalties can be complicated. On the sports front, Messi's return to the pitch was overshadowed by a red card, but that's football for you.
For now, Coco 2 is shaping up to be one of the decade's most anticipated animated films. The poster alone—Miguel, older, with that determined look—has already become a symbol of how far he's come. And with de la Cruz lurking in the shadows, we know the Land of the Dead isn't done with him yet.
Stay tuned for more updates as production ramps up. In the meantime, dust off your guitar, call your abuela, and remember: Recuerdame is playing on repeat.
