One of Disney’s Best Movies in Recent Years Isn’t Getting a Sequel
Disney has no current plans to greenlight a sequel to *Encanto*, according to producer and Walt Disney Animation Studios creative executive Yvett Merino. Her response matters because the 2021 film became a major streaming hit despite modest cinema takings, and Disney is bringing back several other established franchises.
*Encanto* earned about $261.3 million worldwide, including $96.1 million in the US, but was watched for roughly 27.4 billion minutes there in 2022, making it the year’s most streamed film. Merino said she would be open to a sequel, and the franchise is set to feature in a new attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom focused on Antonio and his gift. The article says Disney appears to be prioritising projects such as *The Incredibles 3* and *Frozen 3*.
In short
- Disney has no current plans for an *Encanto* sequel.
- Producer Yvett Merino says she remains open to one.
- A new Animal Kingdom attraction will feature the Madrigals’ Casita.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A sequel could build on Encanto’s unusually strong streaming audience and give more room to its characters, music and family story. Its popularity suggests lasting interest that cinema takings alone may not capture, and the planned attraction offers a way to keep the world relevant.
The case against
Disney may reasonably wait for a clear story that merits a continuation rather than treat popularity as a reason by itself to make one. With limited creative and production resources, prioritising established projects such as Frozen 3 and The Incredibles 3 could be a sound choice, while the attraction already gives audiences another way to revisit Encanto.
Explained simply
Encanto is a 2021 animated film from Disney about the Madrigal family, who live in a magical house in Colombia. Most family members have special gifts, and the story follows Mirabel, the one who does not, as she tries to help her relatives and protect their home.
The film earned about $261 million in cinemas worldwide, then found a much larger audience on streaming in the United States. That contrast helps explain why interest in a follow-up has persisted, even as Disney develops sequels to other popular films.
Encanto’s characters are also due to feature in a new attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, centred on Antonio and his gift. Producer Yvett Merino has said she would be open to making a sequel; her role in Disney Animation gives her comments relevance, though decisions about films rest with the studio.