Disney fans hoping for a return to the magical Madrigal household may be disappointed. Yvett Merino, a producer on the beloved 2021 animated film Encanto, has confirmed that a sequel is not currently in the works. In an exclusive interview with The Direct, Merino, who now also serves as a creative executive at Walt Disney Animation Studios, was asked directly about the possibility of Encanto 2. Her response was succinct: "No, but I'm always here for it."
This news comes as Disney Animation and Pixar are actively developing sequels to other major franchises, including Frozen, Zootopia, The Incredibles, and Coco. The absence of Encanto from that list has been noticeable, but Merino's comments suggest the studio is making a strategic choice rather than abandoning the property entirely.
A Streaming Phenomenon Despite Modest Box Office
Encanto initially grossed only about $261.3 million worldwide, with roughly $96.1 million coming from domestic theaters. Under normal circumstances, those numbers might have discouraged a sequel. However, the film was released during the pandemic-era theatrical market, which severely limited its box office potential. Once it hit Disney+, the movie exploded in popularity, amassing approximately 27.4 billion minutes of streaming in 2022 alone, making it the most-streamed film of that year in the U.S.
This streaming success turned Encanto into a cultural phenomenon, with its soundtrack, led by Lin-Manuel Miranda's "We Don't Talk About Bruno," dominating charts and memes. Yet, despite this massive digital footprint, Disney has not greenlit a sequel.
Disney's Focus Elsewhere
Merino's comments suggest that Disney is prioritizing other projects. The studio has Frozen 3 slated for a November 24, 2027 release, and The Incredibles 3 is also in development. These are proven box office juggernauts, and Disney may be betting on them to deliver theatrical returns that Encanto couldn't during its pandemic-era release.
But that doesn't mean the Encanto franchise is dead. Merino specifically mentioned a major Encanto attraction being built for the new Tropical Americas land at Disney's Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World. Guests will be able to step inside the Madrigals' Casita, with the ride centered on Antonio and his magical gift. This investment shows that Disney sees lasting value in the brand, even if a sequel isn't on the immediate horizon.
For fans, the news is bittersweet. While a sequel would have been welcome, the continued expansion of Encanto in theme parks and other media suggests the story isn't over. As Merino put it, she's "always here for it," leaving the door open for future possibilities.
In the meantime, Disney+ subscribers can revisit the magic of Encanto anytime. And for those craving more animated adventures, there's always the flawless animated classics from the 90s to tide them over.
Stay tuned for more updates on this and other Disney projects. With so much in the pipeline, the studio's animated future looks bright, even without a trip back to the Encanto.
