The Mitchells vs. the Machines 2: Your Robot-Fighting Family is Back!

Good news, animation fans! The beloved, Oscar-nominated family is officially returning for The Mitchells vs. the Machines 2 on Netflix, bringing back the unique humor and heart that made the original a hit.

TL;DR

A sequel to the critically acclaimed The Mitchells vs. the Machines is officially in development.
Netflix will once again distribute the film, with production slated to begin in early 2026.
New directors Guillermo Martinez and JP Sans are onboard, while original producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller are returning.

Remember that wildly inventive, hilarious, and surprisingly heartfelt animated movie that took Netflix by storm a few years back? You know, the one with the quirky family, the adorable pug, and a robot apocalypse that felt way too real? Well, get ready for more! After years of hoping, we finally have official confirmation: The Mitchells Vs. The Machines 2 is happening!

It's been quite a ride since the original film debuted in 2021, capturing hearts and earning serious accolades. Now, your favorite dysfunctional family is gearing up for a rematch, and we've got all the early details about who's making it, who's writing it, and when we might get to see it.

The Unexpected Return of a Beloved Animated Masterpiece

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It feels like just yesterday we were all laughing and crying along with Katie, Rick, Linda, and Aaron as they navigated a world taken over by smart devices. The Mitchells vs. the Machines wasn't just a hit; it was a phenomenon. It arrived on Netflix on April 30, 2021, after a winding road that saw it originally planned for a theatrical release by Sony Pictures in 2020 under the title "Connected." Thanks to those pesky pandemic delays, Netflix swooped in, reportedly acquiring the distribution rights for a hefty sum of over $100 million, and thankfully, changed the title back to its awesome original name.

That move paid off big time for the streamer, as the film quickly became one of Netflix’s most-watched animated titles, reaching an impressive 53 million households in its first month. Critics and audiences alike showered it with praise for its innovative hand-painted animation style, sharp humor, and deeply emotional story about family connection in a digitally saturated world. It wasn't just popular; it was critically adored, snagging an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature and winning eight Annie Awards, including the top prize for animated feature.

Now, Sony Pictures Animation, the studio behind the original, is back in action for the sequel, with Netflix once again distributing. This time, however, the studios are planning a "more collaborative creative partnership," which sounds like great news for the film's development. Given the original's success, and Netflix's ongoing push for more exclusive animated content, a sequel was almost inevitable, and we couldn't be more thrilled to see the Mitchells return.

Who is Bringing the Robot Apocalypse Back to Life?

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While the original film was brilliantly co-written and directed by Mike Rianda (who also voiced Aaron), the sequel will see some new creative minds stepping into key roles. Taking the director's chair for The Mitchells vs. the Machines 2 will be Guillermo Martinez and JP Sans.

Guillermo Martinez: He's no stranger to the Mitchells' world, having served as the head of story on the first film. Martinez also boasts an impressive resume, having worked on films like Laika's Missing Link and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, as well as the recent Netflix hit KPop Demon Hunters. This will mark his feature directorial debut, which is super exciting!
JP Sans: Joining Martinez is JP Sans, who co-directed 2025's The Bad Guys 2. Sans has also animated for several DreamWorks Animation films, including Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, and Trolls World Tour.

But don't worry, some familiar powerhouse talent is still very much involved! The wunderkind pair of Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who produced the first movie and are known for their work on hits like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and The Lego Movie, will be back as producers through their company Lord Miller. Kurt Albrecht is also producing for Sony Pictures Animation. Mike Rianda, the original director, will be returning as an executive producer, alongside Lord Miller’s Aditya Sood, ensuring that the sequel maintains the spirit and vision of the first film.

On the writing front, the screenplay for the sequel is being penned by the talented Molyneux sisters, Wendy Molyneux and Lizzie Molyneux-Logelin. These two are celebrated for their work on animated shows like The Great North and Bob's Burgers, so we can definitely expect plenty of sharp wit and heartfelt moments in the next Mitchells adventure.

"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, hinting at a sequel in 2021.

When Can We Expect to See the Mitchells' Next Big Adventure?

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Alright, so we know it's happening, and we know who's making it. Now for the burning question: when can we actually watch it? Hold your robot-fighting horses, because we're still a little ways off. Production on The Mitchells vs. the Machines 2 is currently expected to begin in early 2026. Given the typical timeline for animated feature films, this means that the earliest we might see the sequel hit Netflix could be sometime in 2027, and even that isn't a guaranteed date. Quality animation takes time, folks!

As for the cast, official announcements haven't been made yet, but it's "reasonable to assume that much of the original cast will be back to reprise their roles." And why wouldn't they? The original voice cast was absolutely perfect, bringing so much life to the characters:

Abbi Jacobson as the creative eldest daughter, Katie Mitchell
Danny McBride as the technophobic, nature-loving dad, Rick Mitchell
Maya Rudolph as the ever-optimistic mom, Linda Mitchell
Mike Rianda as the dinosaur-obsessed younger brother, Aaron Mitchell
Olivia Colman as the rogue AI, PAL
Eric André as Mark Bowman

Fingers crossed we get to hear all their familiar voices again!

Why the Original Was a Total Game-Changer for Animated Films

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If you haven't seen The Mitchells vs. the Machines, drop everything and go watch it now (it's on Netflix, of course!). Seriously, it's that good. The film stood out not just for its laugh-out-loud humor and gripping sci-fi premise, but for its groundbreaking visual style. It blended traditional 3D animation with a unique "hand-painted" aesthetic and 2D elements that made it feel incredibly fresh and dynamic. This wasn't just eye candy; it deepened the storytelling, particularly with Katie's artistic perspective.

Beyond the visuals, the film was a masterclass in character development and emotional resonance. The core of the story was the often-strained but ultimately loving relationship between Katie and her dad, Rick, as they tried to connect despite their differences. The robot apocalypse merely served as the ultimate bonding experience, forcing them to rely on each other in unexpected ways. It championed creativity, critiqued our over-reliance on technology without being preachy, and even touched on LGBTQ+ representation in a natural, positive way.

The film's success also underscored Netflix's growing prowess in the animation space. While Disney and Pixar have historically dominated animated feature awards, The Mitchells vs. the Machines proved that other studios could deliver Oscar-caliber work, pushing the boundaries of what animated films could be. Its win at the Annie Awards and Oscar nomination signaled a shift, opening doors for more diverse and innovative animated storytelling on streaming platforms.

What Could the Next Mitchells vs. Machines Story Be About?

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The first film had a pretty satisfying ending: the Mitchells saved the world, repaired their family bonds, and life (mostly) returned to normal. So, where do you go from there? This is the big question for the sequel. The context suggests that Mitchells 2 faces "the major challenge of reviving the story" when the family was last seen living normal lives after surviving the apocalypse.

One interesting tidbit floating around, though it's important to note it's an unconfirmed report, comes from ScreenRant which mentions TheWrap "reports that the sequel's title is The Mitchells vs. the Mitchells, suggesting the family will turn on each other." Now, that would be a fascinating twist! Imagine the chaos if the biggest threat to humanity isn't rogue AI, but the Mitchells themselves and their epic family squabbles. However, the same report also speculates that "advanced technology will hopefully still play a role to stay true to the first movie's genre."

Whether the sequel involves another robot uprising, an internal family conflict, or a mix of both, it's clear the creative team has their work cut out for them to live up to the original's high bar. What we do know is that Phil Lord and Chris Miller are masters of balancing humor, action, and heart, so whatever direction they take, it’s bound to be a wild, fun, and emotionally resonant ride.

The fact that Netflix and Sony are committing to this sequel with a more collaborative approach speaks volumes about their confidence in the franchise. It’s a major boon for Netflix's film library, giving them a unique sci-fi animated franchise that truly stands out in a crowded streaming landscape. So, grab your Doug the Pug merch, and let's get ready to welcome the Mitchells back for another unforgettable adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions About The Mitchells vs. the Machines 2

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When is "The Mitchells vs. the Machines 2" expected to be released?

While production is slated to begin in early 2026, no official release date has been announced yet. Given the animation timeline, the earliest we might see the sequel is likely 2027.

Where will "The Mitchells vs. the Machines 2" be available to watch?

Just like the original, Netflix will be the primary distribution platform for The Mitchells vs. the Machines 2, as part of an ongoing licensing agreement with Sony Pictures Animation.

What is the rumored plot for the sequel?

Plot details are currently under wraps. However, one unconfirmed report suggests a potential title of The Mitchells vs. the Mitchells, hinting at the family turning on each other, though advanced technology is still expected to play a role.