November 2029 sounds like a date from a sci-fi movie, but for Pixar, it’s a standard production cycle. By the time this hits theaters, the kids who were obsessed with the original in 2017 will be in their early twenties, and the "new" audience will be the ones currently watching Bluey on repeat.

Pixar is leaning into the "legacy sequel" model here. They aren't just churning out a direct continuation of a seven-year-old’s story; they are aging Miguel up into his teenage years. This matters because it changes the emotional physics of the movie. A teenage protagonist means different conflicts—identity, rebellion, and a more complex understanding of the "Land of the Dead" than the wide-eyed wonder we saw the first time around.

The biggest shocker from the D23 announcement is the return of Ernesto de la Cruz. If you remember the first film, Ernesto ended up double-dead (crushed by a giant bell in the afterlife) and his reputation was rightfully trashed in both worlds.

The sequel is reportedly centering on a revenge plot. In the world of family movies, "revenge" can be a tricky needle to thread. Usually, Pixar villains are about ego or misguided philosophy. A villain coming back specifically to get even with a teenager suggests a darker, more personal tone.

From the early details, it looks like Ernesto will be trying to claw back his status or perhaps sabotage the Rivera family’s place in the Land of the Dead. It’s a masterclass in teaching kids about the "long tail" of bad actions—Ernesto didn't just go away; his bitterness stayed. It opens the door for conversations about what happens after the "happily ever after" and how you handle people who refuse to take accountability for their mistakes.

When Miguel was a kid, his primary struggle was "I want to play music, but my family says no." It was a classic, relatable friction point. As a teenager, that conflict will likely evolve.

Teens don't just want to "do the thing"; they want to know who they are in the context of their history. If Ernesto is back and causing trouble, Miguel won't just be protecting himself; he’ll be protecting the truth of Hector’s legacy.

Expect the music to evolve, too. The first movie was a love letter to traditional Mexican son jarocho and bolero styles. A teenage Miguel in 2029 might be experimenting with how those traditional sounds mesh with modern influences. It’s a great hook for kids who are starting to find their own "sound" or interests that differ from the family script.

Since we’re looking at a multi-year lead time, you need stuff that hits that same "cultural magic meets high stakes" vibe.

If your kid loves the vibrant, mythic world-building of Coco, the Zelda series is the natural next step. Echoes of Wisdom (dropping soon) or Breath of the Wild offer that same sense of exploring a world where history and magic are layered on top of each other. It’s about discovery, not just combat.

For the emotional weight Pixar is known for, this book (and the upcoming movie) is the gold standard. It tackles belonging and family in a way that isn't precious or saccharine. It’s "Pixar-level" storytelling in print form.

If you want that specific Mesoamerican mythic energy, this Netflix limited series is stacked. It’s more action-heavy than Coco, but it shares that deep respect for folklore and the "warrior" spirit of protecting one's people.

When the trailer eventually drops and your kid sees a skeleton pop star trying to ruin Miguel’s life, the move isn't to worry about the "darkness." The move is to talk about reputation.

Ernesto de la Cruz is a character who valued being seen as great more than actually being good. His revenge plot is likely born out of the fact that his "mask" was removed. You can ask your kid: "Why is Ernesto so angry? Is it because he lost his fame, or because people finally know the truth?"

It’s a perfect setup for talking about digital footprints and how once the truth is out, you can’t just "revenge" your way back into being liked. Real redemption requires work that Ernesto clearly isn't interested in doing.

Q: Is Coco 2 going to be too scary for younger kids?

The "revenge" plot and the return of a disgraced villain suggest a slightly more intense tone than the first film. However, it’s still Pixar—they are the masters of balancing "spooky" with "heart." If your kid handled the skeletal reveal and the "Final Death" talk in the first movie, they’ll likely be fine here, though the emotional stakes might be higher.

Q: Will the original voice cast return?

While not fully confirmed for every role, Anthony Gonzalez (Miguel) would be significantly older now, which actually fits the "teenage Miguel" timeline perfectly. Benjamin Bratt is almost certain to return as Ernesto de la Cruz given the plot centers on him.

Q: Does my kid need to see the first movie to understand the sequel?

Almost certainly. Given that the plot is a "revenge" story based on the events of the first film’s climax, the emotional payoff of seeing Ernesto return only works if you know how he fell from grace. It’s a great excuse for a re-watch of the original Coco.

Q: Why is the release date so far away?

Pixar is currently balancing a heavy slate, including Incredibles 3 and original projects like Hoppers. High-quality animation takes years, and Pixar is likely giving the Coco team the runway they need to make sure the sequel doesn't feel like a cheap cash-in.

Coco 2 is a rare sequel that feels like it has a reason to exist beyond merchandise. By aging up Miguel and bringing back a villain with a personal grudge, Pixar is setting the stage for a story about the endurance of truth and the complexity of teenage identity.