Pixar sequels are expanding as Disney develops Toy Story 5, Incredibles 3, Coco 2, and more, according to recent reporting from The Wall Street Journal. Monsters, Inc. 3 looks to be in the works!
For much of its history, Pixar Animation Studios built its reputation on original storytelling. Films like Toy Story, Up, and Inside Out pushed animation forward with fresh concepts and emotional depth. But according to recent reporting from The Wall Street Journal, the studio is increasingly leaning on sequels to established franchises as it tries to regain consistent box office success.
The shift reflects a broader trend within Disney’s film strategy: audiences continue to flock to familiar characters and worlds. With several major sequels now confirmed or in development, Pixar’s upcoming slate looks more franchise-focused than ever. Here’s a look at the biggest Pixar sequels currently in production.
Pixar Sequels: Toy Story 5 Arrives in 2026
The next Pixar sequel hitting theaters is Toy Story 5, scheduled for release on June 19, 2026. The film will reunite many of the franchise’s longtime voice actors, including Tom Hanks as Woody and Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear. Plot details remain limited, but Pixar has teased a storyline exploring how classic toys interact with modern technology. One preview description refers to the concept as “Toy meets Tech,” suggesting that the characters may face competition from digital devices for children’s attention.
The Toy Story franchise is Pixar’s longest-running series and one of its most successful. Each installment has performed strongly at the box office, which makes it a safe bet as Pixar looks to anchor its theatrical slate with proven brands.
The Incredibles 3 Targets a 2028 Release
Another major sequel on the horizon is Incredibles 3, which is reportedly targeting a 2028 release window. The original The Incredibles debuted in 2004 and became a fan favorite thanks to its mix of superhero action and family comedy. Its sequel, Incredibles 2, arrived 14 years later and became one of Pixar’s biggest box-office hits.
Reports indicate that filmmaker Peter Sohn may direct the third installment, while the original creator, Brad Bird, remains involved as a writer or producer. With superhero films still dominating global box offices, Pixar appears eager to revisit the Parr family once again.
Coco 2 Is Planned for 2029
One of the most surprising sequels in development is Coco 2, currently expected to arrive in 2029. The original Coco (2017) followed Miguel, a young aspiring musician who journeys into the Land of the Dead to discover his family’s history. The film was both a critical and commercial success, earning more than $800 million worldwide and winning two Academy Awards.
Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed the sequel during a shareholder meeting, promising it would carry the same “humor, heart and adventure” that made the original so beloved. Directors Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina, who helmed the first film, are expected to return.
Monsters, Inc. 3 Is Also in Development
Another Pixar classic may soon return: a third film in the Monsters, Inc. franchise. According to reporting cited by the Wall Street Journal, Pixar is currently developing Monsters, Inc. 3, although details about its plot or release window remain unclear.
The original film introduced audiences to the monster-powered energy company run by Sulley and Mike Wazowski, voiced by John Goodman and Billy Crystal. Its prequel, Monsters University, was released in 2013. If greenlit for theaters, the third film would mark another major revival of one of Pixar’s earliest franchises.
Why Pixar Sequels
According to reporting from the Wall Street Journal, Pixar’s renewed focus on sequels is partly a response to recent box-office challenges and changing viewing habits. Some of the studio’s original films in recent years struggled to match the financial success of its earlier hits. Meanwhile, franchise entries, such as Inside Out 2, have drawn massive audiences worldwide. As a result, Pixar leadership, including chief creative officer Pete Docter, has reportedly emphasized returning to well-known franchises while continuing to develop new original concepts alongside them.
The Future of Pixar
While Pixar still plans to release original films, the next decade will likely include more Pixar sequels than fans are used to. Between Toy Story 5, Incredibles 3, Coco 2, and Monsters, Inc. 3, the studio is clearly betting on the power of nostalgia and recognizable characters. Whether this strategy will help Pixar regain its box office dominance remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the studio’s most treasured worlds are far from finished.
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