According to Deadline, Benjamin Bratt confirmed at D23 that he will return as the voice of Ernesto de la Cruz in “Coco 2,” which is scheduled to hit theaters in November 2029. The sequel will also introduce a major change for its protagonist, with Miguel now portrayed as a teenager rather than the 12-year-old audiences followed in the original film.
Miguel Is Growing Up in ‘Coco 2’ as Ernesto de la Cruz Returns
Miguel’s transition into adolescence marks a significant shift for the franchise. In the first movie, he was a young musician desperate to pursue his passion despite his family’s ban on music. His search for answers eventually led him into the Land of the Dead, where he discovered the truth about his supposed idol and uncovered his real connection to Héctor.
Ernesto’s return is important because his story appeared to be over by the end of the original. Miguel discovered that the celebrated singer had murdered Héctor and taken credit for his songs, completely destroying the image he had built around his musical hero. The truth was eventually exposed, while Miguel helped restore Héctor’s place within the family.
Bratt’s comments at D23 indicate that Ernesto still has unfinished business with Miguel. “He’s a little menace who ruined a career and destroyed a legend,” the actor said. He went further when describing what audiences can expect from the returning character. “Ernesto de la Cruz is back for revenge…proving that fate has twists.”
The first “Coco” built its story around Día de Muertos, family, memory and the connection between the living and the dead. The 2017 film became a major success, earning more than $800 million worldwide and winning Oscars for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for “Remember Me.”