While promoting her upcoming role in Peacocks' Twisted Metal TV series, Mirabel voice actress Stephanie Beatriz (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) was asked a few probing questions about whether there are plans for an Encanto sequel.
First, Beatriz was asked if she had any interest in returning for a sequel or if she's looking to pursue other roles.
"I would love to work with them again. That team on that film was so incredible to work with that. I think a lot of [Jared Bush and Byron Howard’s] time right now is being taken up by other stuff."
Bush and Howard directed the film and also received a story credit on the Walt Disney Animation Studios' 60th feature film, while Bush wrote the screenplay alongside Charise Castro Smith.
Currently, the duo are busy working on Zootopia 2. And together and separately, they've been involved as director/writer/producer on a number of Disney feature films including Moana, Wreck-it Ralph, the first Zootopia, and Frozen II.
However, Beatriz was quick to disclose that she doesn't actually know the status of Encanto 2.
"I go to the parks a lot and whenever people recognize me they ask about that too. So I know fans of the film are really, really eager to know if it’s gonna get a sequel, I would love to do that. I think there’s a ton of story to be told and there’s so many people that would love to see that, but I haven’t heard jack s–t."
Disney CEO Bob Chapek has previously referred to Encanto as a franchise and that's backed by a big push to get the IP into the Disney Parks.
In Magic Kingdom, a Mirabel meet and greet now occupies the spot formerly occupied by Brave's Merida, and during last year's D23 Expo, Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro teased that an Encanto-themed expansion to the Magic Kingdom was currently a 'blue sky' concept being worked on by Disney Imagineers.
Released at the tail-end of the Covid-19 pandemic, Encanto had a 30-day theatrical run when it premiered on November 24, 2022, before hitting Disney+ on December 24. Though it only grossed $256.8 million at the worldwide box office, the film was a smash hit on Disney+, with many of its songs going viral. With only 7 days before 2022 ended, Nielsen estimated that Encanto was the most-watched film of the year.
The film also took home Best Score Soundtrack, Best Compilation Soundtrack, and Best Song ("We Don't Talk About Bruno") at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards. It also received several Oscar, Golden Globe, and BAFTA nominations.
Encanto Official Synopsis: Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto tells the tale of an extraordinary family, the Madrigals, who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia, in a magical house, in a vibrant town, in a wondrous, charmed place called an Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift from super strength to the power to heal—every child except one, Mirabel (voice of Stephanie Beatriz). But when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is in danger, Mirabel decides that she, the only ordinary Madrigal, might just be her exceptional family’s last hope. Celebrate with Miranda, Beatriz and the rest of the “Encanto” family streaming now on Disney+.