Your favorite quirky, robot-battling family is coming back! After years of anticipation, Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation have officially confirmed that a sequel to the beloved and Oscar-nominated film, The Mitchells vs. the Machines, is in the works!
TL;DR: Quick Bits on the Mitchells' Return to Battle
- Sequel Confirmed: The Mitchells vs. the Machines 2 is officially happening from Sony Pictures Animation and Netflix.
- New Creative Team: Guillermo Martinez and JP Sans will direct, with Wendy Molyneux and Lizzie Molyneux-Logelin (the Molyneux sisters) writing.
- Production & Release: Production kicks off in early 2026, but a release date is still TBA for the Netflix streamer.
If you, like millions of us, fell head over heels for the wonderfully chaotic, visually stunning, and surprisingly heartfelt adventure that was 2021’s The Mitchells vs. the Machines, then you’re in for a treat! The news we've all been hoping for has finally arrived: a sequel is officially in development. Prepare yourselves for another dose of family dysfunction, technological mayhem, and, of course, more of Doug the Pug!
The original film was an absolute standout, a whirlwind of color, unique animation, and laugh-out-loud humor that also managed to tug at our heartstrings. It followed the wonderfully mismatched Mitchell family – aspiring filmmaker Katie, her technophobic dad Rick, super-optimistic mom Linda, dinosaur-obsessed brother Aaron, and their lovable pug, Monchi – on a road trip that turned into a robot apocalypse. Naturally, it was up to them, the "worst family of all time," to save humanity!
Fans and critics alike adored it, and it even snagged an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature, losing out to Disney's Encanto. Its critical acclaim was massive, boasting a Certified Fresh score of 97% on Rotten Tomatoes. So, the idea of a second round with this unforgettable family battling new tech threats is incredibly exciting, and honestly, a long time coming for many of us who've been rewatching the original!
From Pandemic Pivot to Platinum Hit: The Original's Unlikely Journey to Success

The first Mitchells vs. the Machines had quite a journey to our screens. It was originally slated for a theatrical release by Sony Pictures in 2020 under the rather bland working title, "Connected." However, like many films of that era, it faced significant delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In a move that proved incredibly shrewd, Netflix swooped in and acquired the global distribution rights for a hefty price tag, reportedly over $100 million. This decision paid off massively, as the film (thankfully reverted to its original, much better title) debuted on Netflix on April 30, 2021.
It didn’t just debut; it exploded. The movie quickly became one of Netflix’s most-watched animated titles, reaching an incredible 53 million households in its first month alone, and becoming the streamer's biggest animated movie ever at the time. This massive success wasn't just in viewership; it garnered instant acclaim for its groundbreaking visual style, blending traditional 2D animation with vibrant 3D models and Katie’s sketchbook-like doodles. It was lauded for its sharp humor, relatable family dynamics, and even its subtle but appreciated LGBTQ+ representation.
The film earned widespread praise, ending up on countless "best of" lists for 2021, and winning eight Annie Awards, including for Animated Feature. It resonated deeply with audiences because it wasn't just a robot action-comedy; it was a clever critique of our digitally saturated lives and a heartfelt exploration of what it means to connect with family in an increasingly disconnected world. The blend of sci-fi action with genuine emotion was a masterstroke, making it a true modern animated classic.
"We’ve got a lot of good ideas on the board, at least. I’ve been talking to people about it — some folks who are excited about that idea."
— Mike Rianda, Original Director of The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021 interview with Fandango)Who's Steering the Ship for The Mitchells vs. the Machines 2's New Adventure?

While original director and co-writer Mike Rianda will be stepping into an executive producer role this time around (alongside Phil Lord and Chris Miller's Aditya Sood), the sequel is bringing in some fresh talent to the director's chairs, while keeping the core creative spirit intact. Leading the charge are Guillermo Martinez and JP Sans. Martinez is no stranger to the Mitchell-verse, having served as the Head of Story on the original film, and this sequel marks his feature directorial debut – super exciting for someone who clearly knows the characters and world intimately. Sans brings his directorial experience, having co-directed the recent hit The Bad Guys 2.
On the writing front, we're getting a fantastic duo: Wendy Molyneux and Lizzie Molyneux-Logelin, known professionally as the Molyneux sisters. These two are celebrated for their work on animated hits like Bob's Burgers and The Great North, which means we can likely expect more of that signature witty dialogue and quirky, character-driven humor that made the first film so special. Their involvement ensures the script will be in very capable hands.
And don't worry, the creative masterminds who made the first film a phenomenon, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (of Spider-Verse and The LEGO Movie fame), are returning as producers through their company, Lord Miller. Kurt Albrecht will also produce for Sony Pictures Animation. Their continued involvement ensures that the sequel will maintain the innovative spirit, visual flair, and emotional depth that defined the original.
Who Are We Expecting to Hear in the Sequel?
While no official casting announcements have been made just yet, it's pretty safe to assume that much of the original, star-studded voice cast will be back to reprise their roles. After all, who else could bring this family to life so perfectly?
- Abbi Jacobson as the creatively brilliant and relatable eldest daughter, Katie Mitchell.
- Danny McBride as the well-meaning, technophobic, but ultimately loving dad, Rick Mitchell.
- Maya Rudolph as the incredibly supportive, sweet, and surprisingly fierce mom, Linda Mitchell.
- Mike Rianda as the chaotic, dinosaur-obsessed younger brother, Aaron Mitchell.
- Olivia Colman as the chillingly polite but utterly terrifying rogue AI, PAL.
- Eric Andre as the slightly awkward tech inventor, Mark Bowman.
- And, of course, the indispensable duo: Fred Armisen as the eternally optimistic robot, Deborahbot 5000, and Beck Bennett as the hilariously broken Eric.
Fingers crossed we get the whole gang back for another round of robot-punching, family bonding, and unforgettable comedic moments!
What to Expect from the Mitchells' Next Big Adventure

Details about the sequel's plot are, understandably, still under wraps. However, the original film's ending left a few tantalizing threads that could easily lead into a new adventure. Katie was off at film school in California, seemingly having found a girlfriend, Jade, while Aaron was getting closer to his crush, Abby. Robots Eric and Deborahbot had become honorary (and integral) members of the family. The first film wrapped up Katie's journey to film school, but also presented the idea that her family, once a source of mild embarrassment, had become her greatest strength and inspiration.
The sequel will undoubtedly explore how the Mitchell family continues to grow and adapt, facing new "tech challenges" and emotional hurdles. Will Katie's film school experience influence their next battle? How will their unique family dynamic, now forged in the fires of a robot apocalypse, handle the everyday (or extraordinary) bumps in the road? And what new, wonderfully bizarre robots will they have to contend with?
The first film resonated so strongly because it balanced epic sci-fi action with incredibly relatable family drama. We saw the universal struggle between parents and their tech-savvy kids, the fear of change, and the unbreakable bonds of family. We can anticipate the sequel delving deeper into these themes, perhaps exploring the next generation of AI, or even the challenges of maintaining family closeness as children grow up and forge their own paths. Whatever the plot, expect it to be visually inventive, full of heart, and hilariously funny.
The Netflix & Sony Power-Up: A Collaborative Partnership for Future Animated Hits

The announcement of The Mitchells Vs. The Machines 2 isn't just exciting for fans; it also signals a significant evolution in the partnership between Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation. The first film's acquisition by Netflix was a last-minute deal forced by the pandemic. This time, however, the studios are planning "a more collaborative partnership," which likely means a more equal sharing of both budget and potential profits. This tighter collaboration is a huge win for animated movie fans everywhere, as it could pave the way for more innovative and high-quality projects.
This closer working relationship has already seen success with films like KPop Demon Hunters, which became Netflix's most-watched movie ever and is already in talks for its own sequel. The studios are clearly finding a rhythm that works, allowing Sony to continue producing incredible animation while leveraging Netflix's massive global distribution reach. This could mean more ambitious animated features for the streaming platform and potentially even hybrid theatrical/streaming releases for future projects, giving audiences more options on how to enjoy these films.
So, the future of animation, especially the kind that pushes boundaries and tells genuinely compelling stories, looks bright with Netflix and Sony teaming up in this "remix" style. We're certainly here for it, and the Mitchells’ return feels like the perfect next step in this exciting partnership!
Frequently Asked Questions About The Mitchells vs. the Machines 2


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