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‘Coco 2’ brings back a surprising character as Pixar sets 2029 release date

Benjamin Bratt sheds light on the storyline of ‘Coco 2’ featuring an unlikely team-up.

Fans of the 2017 fantasy drama 'Coco' finally have some updates about the movie's highly anticipated sequel. During the D23 Expo, Pixar revealed concept art for the sequel and also announced a tentative release date. According to Variety, the sequel will open in theaters sometime in November 2029. A cast has not been announced, but the studio confirmed the return of a familiar voice from the original movie. Benjamin Bratt will reprise his role as Ernesto de la Cruz, a famous musician who was later revealed to be a fraudster. Bratt was also present at the event to talk about the project. 

Bratt also shed some light on the sequel's storyline, which may feature a team-up between Miguel and Ernesto. For those unaware, these two characters were at odds in the original movie, after it was revealed that Ernesto garnered his fame by stealing the songs of Miguel's late great-great-grandfather. "To some, Miguel is a little menace who ruined a career and destroyed a legacy," he said. "Ernesto de la Cruz is back for revenge, sending Miguel on an adventure back to the land of the dead. Proving fate has a sense of humor, Miguel must team up with a handsome superstar: me."

'Coco' was released in 2017 and received critical and popular acclaim. The venture grossed over $800 million at the global box office, becoming a bona fide blockbuster. In that year's Oscar ceremony, the movie received two honors. It took accolades in the categories of Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song with 'Remember Me.' The movie's success led fans to think a sequel was imminent. However, after years of no announcement, they began to lose hope. In 2025, Disney finally announced that 'Coco 2' is in development. "While the film is just in the initial stages, we know it will be full of humor, heart and adventure," Bob Iger, Pixar CEO, said at the time. "And we can't wait to share more soon." Director and co-director of the original movie, Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina, will be back for the sequel. Mark Nielsen also returns as a producer. 

The 2017 movie won hearts worldwide with a story that followed Miguel, a 12-year-old aspiring musician. He pursues his love for music despite his family's opposition. The family has a generations-old ban on music, and the reason behind it remains under wraps. Miguel ventures into the vibrant Land of the Dead for a breathtaking adventure, uncovering his family's secrets in the process. 'Coco' is currently streaming on Disney+.