Get Ready! 'The Mitchells vs. the Machines 2' is Officially Happening

The beloved, Oscar-nominated animated adventure is getting a sequel from Netflix and Sony, and we couldn't be more excited to see the Mitchell family back in action!

TL;DR

• Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation are officially teaming up for The Mitchells vs. the Machines 2.
• Production kicks off in early 2026, with a fresh directing and writing team on board alongside returning original producers.
• While we'll likely have to wait until 2027 or later, get ready for more Mitchell family chaos as they battle new challenges!

The Mitchells Are Coming Back for Another Wild Adventure

Remember 2021, when a quirky animated movie about a family road trip gone robot apocalypse absolutely stole our hearts? That's right, we're talking about The Mitchells vs. the Machines! It burst onto Netflix and pretty much instantly became a fan favorite, snagging an Oscar nomination (though it narrowly lost to Encanto) and racking up eight Annie Awards. Critics couldn't stop raving about its dazzling visuals, super clever writing, and that infectious energy that made you root for the most delightfully dysfunctional family ever. If you were like us, you’ve been patiently, or maybe not so patiently, wondering when we’d get more. Well, get ready to cheer because the sequel is officially confirmed!

Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation are joining forces once again to bring us The Mitchells Vs. The Machines 2. This isn't just some vague whisper; it's a done deal. For those who loved the original's unique blend of sci-fi action and heartfelt family dynamics, this news is pure gold. It felt like a complete story, but who's ever really "done" with the Mitchells?

A Brand New Creative Team Taking the Helm

While the first film’s director, Michael Rianda, is stepping back into an executive producer role (don't worry, he's still involved!), the sequel will see some exciting new talent leading the charge. Get ready to welcome Guillermo Martinez and JP Sans as co-directors. Martinez isn't new to the Mitchellverse; he was the Head of Story for the first film, so he knows these characters and their world inside out. This will mark his feature directorial debut, which is pretty exciting!

JP Sans, on the other hand, comes to us fresh from co-directing The Bad Guys 2 and has a solid animation background, having worked on films like Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. So, we've got a seasoned storyteller who knows the core of the Mitchells' world and a director with recent hits under their belt. Talk about a dynamic duo!

Behind the scenes, the highly acclaimed Molyneux sisters, Wendy Molyneux and Lizzie Molyneux-Logelin, known for their fantastic work on shows like Bob's Burgers and The Great North, are penning the script. Their knack for witty dialogue and relatable family dynamics makes them a perfect fit to continue the Mitchells' saga. And, of course, the original masterminds, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (the geniuses behind Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and The Lego Movie), are returning as executive producers, ensuring that signature spark and innovative storytelling remain. Kurt Albrecht is also back as a producer for Sony Pictures Animation.

Who Will Be Returning to Voice Our Favorite Characters?

While no official casting announcements have been made just yet, it's pretty safe to assume that most of our beloved voice cast will be back to reprise their roles. We can't imagine a Mitchell family adventure without them! The original film featured an incredible ensemble:

• Abbi Jacobson as the creatively brilliant Katie Mitchell
• Danny McBride as the nature-loving, technophobic dad, Rick Mitchell
• Maya Rudolph as the ever-optimistic and loving mom, Linda Mitchell
• Mike Rianda as the dinosaur-obsessed little brother, Aaron Mitchell
• Olivia Colman as the hilariously villainous rogue AI, PAL
• Beck Bennett, Fred Armisen, Eric Andre, John Legend, Chrissy Teigen, and Charlyne Yi in supporting roles

It would be a treat to see Katie further explore her film school dreams and her new relationship, Aaron get closer to his crush Abby, and of course, more antics from the family's pug, Mochi (aka Dog Cop), and their robot pals, Eric and Deborahbot 5000, who became honorary Mitchells by the end of the first film. The chemistry of the original cast was a huge part of the movie's charm, and we're crossing our fingers they all get to come back and bring these characters to life once more.

What Could the Sequel's Story Be About?

Right now, the plot details for The Mitchells vs. the Machines 2 are being kept under wraps tighter than PAL's secret lair. The first film ended with the family having survived the robot apocalypse, repairing their relationships, and living somewhat normal lives again. So, where do they go from there? The possibilities are endless!

One thing that's still incredibly relevant, perhaps even more so now than in 2021, is the ongoing conversation around artificial intelligence. The original movie brilliantly skewered our reliance on technology and the potential dangers of AI run wild. With AI fears increasingly part of our everyday lives, there's definitely plenty of fresh, ripe material for the Molyneux sisters to explore and poke fun at. Could a new, even more advanced AI emerge? Or maybe the Mitchells will face a different kind of technological threat? Perhaps it'll be less about robots taking over the world and more about the hilarious challenges of integrating advanced tech into everyday family life, Mitchell-style!

We’re holding out hope for more of that incredible, visually inventive animation style that made the first film so memorable. Sony Pictures Animation has a reputation for pushing boundaries with their visuals, and given the success of projects like the Spider-Verse films, we can expect something truly dazzling.

A Deeper Partnership Between Netflix and Sony Animation

The original Mitchells vs. the Machines had a bit of a journey to get to Netflix. It was initially slated for a theatrical release by Sony in 2020 under the title "Connected," but due to pandemic delays, Netflix swooped in and acquired it for a reported $100 million-plus. That move paid off big time, making it Netflix's biggest animated movie at the time and a critical darling.

This time around, things are a little different. Netflix will again distribute the sequel as part of its ongoing licensing agreement with Sony, but sources indicate that the studios are planning a "more collaborative creative partnership" for Mitchells 2. This means they’ll be working hand-in-hand from the ground up, rather than Sony just producing and Netflix picking it up for streaming.

This deeper collaboration likely stems from the massive success of their recent animated team-up, KPop Demon Hunters, which absolutely smashed streaming and music-chart records, becoming Netflix's most-watched movie ever. It seems that success has shown both companies the power of working together closely, leading to this exciting new phase for the Mitchells family.

For Netflix, securing a sequel to The Mitchells vs. the Machines is a huge win. The film gave them a unique, sci-fi animated franchise with a distinct visual style that stands out from other studios. With Disney/Pixar's recent animated features not always hitting the same critical or awards highs as before, this sequel could position Netflix as a major contender in the animated awards season in the coming years. It's a strategic move that strengthens Netflix's film library with valuable, original IP.

The Waiting Game: When Can We See It?

Here's the bittersweet part: while the sequel is officially happening, we're going to have to be patient. Production on The Mitchells vs. the Machines 2 is expected to begin in early 2026. For animated Movies, that means a release date is still a good ways off. Given the typical timeline for high-quality animation, we're likely looking at a release in 2027 at the very earliest, and possibly even later. Animation takes a lot of time, care, and intricate work, so it's a marathon, not a sprint!

But hey, the good news is it is happening! That gives us plenty of time to rewatch the original, appreciate its genius all over again, and get hyped for what new challenges and hilarious moments await Katie, Rick, Linda, Aaron, and of course, Dog Cop. So, grab your pug merch and hang tight – the Mitchells are coming back, and we can’t wait!

Frequently Asked Questions About The Mitchells vs. the Machines 2 When is The Mitchells vs. the Machines 2 expected to be released? While no official release date has been announced, production is slated to begin in early 2026. This means we can likely expect the film to arrive on Netflix in 2027 or potentially later, given typical animation production timelines. Will the original cast return for The Mitchells vs. the Machines 2? There's no official word on returning cast members yet. However, it's reasonable to assume that fan-favorite voice actors like Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph, Mike Rianda, and Olivia Colman will reprise their roles for the sequel. Where can I watch The Mitchells vs. the Machines 2? The sequel will be distributed by Netflix as part of its ongoing partnership with Sony Pictures Animation. So, it will be available exclusively on Netflix once released. Who is directing and writing The Mitchells vs. the Machines 2? Guillermo Martinez (Head of Story on the first film) and JP Sans (co-director of The Bad Guys 2) will co-direct. The screenplay is being written by Wendy Molyneux and Lizzie Molyneux-Logelin (the Molyneux sisters), known for Bob's Burgers and The Great North. Sources

• Variety
• io9
• ScreenRant
• ComicBook.com
• Flickering Myth
• MovieWeb
• Cartoon Brew
• TOI Entertainment Desk