Sony Pictures Animation and Netflix are officially reuniting for a sequel to The Mitchells vs. the Machines, the Oscar-nominated animated hit that became a streaming favorite after its 2021 release. The follow-up will be directed by Guillermo Martinez — who served as head of story on the first film — alongside JP Sans, the co-director of The Bad Guys 2. The project will mark Martinez’s feature directorial debut, signaling a new creative chapter for the franchise.
The screenplay is being written by Wendy Molyneux and Lizzie Molyneux-Logelin, the Emmy-winning sisters best known for their work on The Great North and Bob’s Burgers. Production on the sequel is expected to begin in early 2026, with Netflix once again distributing the film under its ongoing licensing partnership with Sony Pictures Animation.
When The Mitchells vs. the Machines premiered in 2021, it quickly became one of the most celebrated animated films of the decade. Produced by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse), the film followed the quirky Mitchell family on a cross-country road trip to drop off their daughter Katie (voiced by Abbi Jacobson) at film school. Their journey was hilariously interrupted by a robot uprising led by a rogue AI named PAL (voiced by Olivia Colman).
The film’s bold visual style — blending hand-painted textures with cutting-edge CGI — earned it eight Annie Awards, including Best Animated Feature, and an Oscar nomination. Initially set for a theatrical release under the title Connected, the movie was acquired by Netflix for over $100 million after pandemic delays, ultimately becoming one of the streamer’s most beloved original animated titles.
The sequel, reportedly in development under the working title The Mitchells vs. the Mitchells, is being produced by returning producers Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Kurt Albrecht. This time, Sony and Netflix are said to be collaborating more closely in the creative process, reflecting the success of their partnership on the first film and other recent animated ventures like KPop Demon Hunters, which became Netflix’s most-watched animated movie.
The new installment will see fresh creative energy behind the camera. Guillermo Martinez, who helped shape the story and emotional core of the first film, steps into the director’s chair for the first time. Co-director JP Sans brings additional experience from DreamWorks’ upcoming The Bad Guys 2. With the Molyneux sisters penning the screenplay, fans can expect a sharp mix of family humor, heartfelt moments, and inventive storytelling.
While plot details remain tightly under wraps, early reports suggest the sequel will continue the family’s adventures in the age of AI — possibly exploring what happens when humanity’s quirkiest family faces their biggest challenge yet: themselves. The film’s tone and animation style are expected to evolve while maintaining the handcrafted aesthetic that made the original so distinct.
Production is slated to begin in early 2026, making a potential release window of 2027 the most likely scenario. No official word yet on whether the original voice cast — Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph, and Mike Rianda — will return, but given the family’s popularity, their comeback seems probable.
The announcement underscores Sony Pictures Animation’s growing partnership with Netflix, which has allowed the studio to expand its reach beyond traditional theatrical releases. For Netflix, the sequel represents another major addition to its expanding portfolio of prestige animation titles, following the success of The Sea Beast, Nimona, and KPop Demon Hunters.
For animation fans, The Mitchells vs. the Machines 2 offers the promise of a fresh yet familiar world — one that celebrates creativity, individuality, and the chaos of family life in the digital age. If the sequel maintains the heart and humor of the original, it could easily become one of the most anticipated animated films of the decade.
The Mitchells vs. the Machines was more than just a movie about technology gone rogue — it was a story about connection, love, and learning to embrace imperfection. With Sony Pictures Animation and Netflix once again joining forces, and a talented new creative team stepping in, the Mitchells’ next adventure is poised to deliver the same heartfelt energy that made the first film a modern classic.
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