Coco 2 Is Coming—But Who Asked for This? Disney’s Sequel Factory Rolls On

Disney is at it again, milking another beloved movie for a sequel no one was really asking for. On March 20, 2025, Pixar officially announced Coco 2, slated for a 2029 theatrical release. The announcement, made via Pixar’s X account (@Pixar), immediately set off a firestorm of reactions—ranging from excitement to outright skepticism. While the original Coco (2017) was a critical and commercial smash, earning over $800 million worldwide and an Oscar for Best Animated Feature, its heartfelt story felt complete. So why revisit the Rivera family after all this time—especially when Grandma Coco is, well, dead?

Disney’s Sequel Obsession Continues

This announcement comes amid a larger pattern of Disney churning out sequels for films that arguably don’t need them. Inside Out 2 is set for release in 2024, Zootopia 2 in 2025, Frozen 3 in 2026, and Toy Story 5 is on the way. Meanwhile, Bob Iger continues to insist Disney is “focused on creativity” while the studio leans heavily on established IPs.

The response to Coco 2 suggests that while some fans are excited, many are questioning if the magic can be recaptured—or if this is just another cash grab. After all, Coco was a beautiful, self-contained story about family, remembrance, and legacy. What could a sequel possibly add without cheapening the original?

Social Media Reacts: Who Asked for This?

Pixar’s X post featured a colorful Coco 2 logo, decked out in marigolds, with the caption: “Disney and Pixar’s Coco 2 is officially coming to theaters in 2029.” While the announcement generated instant buzz, the comment section was a battlefield.

Here’s a look at how fans reacted:

• Jack (@JackTweets44): “W – This is the Pixar sequel we’ve all been waiting for! Coco 2 in 2029 is going to be magical.”
• Alexis Saucedo (@AwashAnenome361): “WHAT?!?!?! WHY?!”
• Joe (@joe32_1): “Who asked for this.”
• Brock (@BN_OTAKU): “Literally nobody asked for this.”
• Ben (@bexman423): “Where did this come from all of a sudden?”

These reactions mirror the broader sentiment on X: a mix of nostalgia, shock, and cynicism. The most common complaints? The long wait until 2029, concerns about Coco’s self-contained story being disrupted, and Disney’s increasing reliance on sequels rather than original ideas.

What We Know About Coco 2

So far, details are scarce. No plot, no cast, no director—just a logo and a release year. Notably, Coco’s original director, Lee Unkrich, left Pixar in 2019, meaning a new creative team will likely be at the helm. Speculation suggests the sequel could follow Miguel as a teenager or explore new stories in the Land of the Dead. But without a clear direction, fans are left wondering: Does Coco 2 have a compelling reason to exist, or is this another Finding Dory-style rehash?

The Bigger Picture: Disney’s Desperate Play?

Disney didn’t drop a Coco 2 bombshell at its 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on March 19, despite weeks of speculation. But let’s be real—if there’s money to be made, Disney will find a way. The studio pulled in a massive $5.78 billion globally in 2024, powered by Inside Out 2 ($1.7 billion), Deadpool & Wolverine, and Moana 2—so milking Coco’s cultural legacy wouldn’t be a shocker. The bigger question? How long can Disney coast on nostalgia before audiences get sequel fatigue? With shifting consumer trends and rising competition, the House of Mouse is under pressure to prove it still has fresh ideas.

Over at Pixar, things have been hit-or-miss. Lightyear (2022) bombed, making just $226 million worldwide on a $200 million budget—a major L. Elemental (2023) struggled at first but clawed its way to $496 million, thanks to strong word-of-mouth. But Inside Out 2 (2024) smashed records, becoming Pixar’s biggest hit ever with $1.7 billion worldwide. Clearly, Pixar sees sequels as its safest bet—Toy Story 5 (2026) and Incredibles 3 (2027) are locked in—but it’s not entirely out of the originality game, with upcoming projects like Elio (2025) and Hoppers (2026). The studio is walking a tightrope between creative risk and guaranteed cash, and whether Coco 2 fits into that equation remains to be seen.

Can Coco 2 Live Up to the Original?

The big question remains: Coco 2 might make money, but will it be good? Coco struck an emotional chord, dealing with themes of death, legacy, and family with care and authenticity. Can a sequel match that depth, or will it feel forced?

Many fans are skeptical, and some worry it could tarnish the first film’s legacy. However, others argue that if Pixar finds the right story, it could be another heartfelt hit. The Broadway adaptation of Coco, announced in 2023, is still in development, meaning Disney sees longevity in the IP. Whether that justifies a sequel remains to be seen.

Weigh In: Are You Excited or Over It?

Are you hyped for Coco 2, or do you think Disney is stretching this too far? Does Miguel’s story have more to tell, or should Pixar leave it alone? Drop your thoughts below!