The Book of Life 2 was an announced sequel to the 2014 animated film The Book of Life. The project was first revealed in 2017, but as of late 2023, it has been confirmed that the film has not been in development. The sequel was initially intended to be directed by Jorge R. Gutierrez, the director of the original film, but Gutierrez has since clarified that the sequel is not currently in production.
Synopsis[]
Originally, the sequel was expected to follow Joaquín as he ventured into the Land of the Unknown to find his father, while Chakal's daughter, Chela, would seek to avenge her father's death by traveling to San Ángel. These plot details, however, are no longer relevant, as the film is not in development, and the specifics of the story remain speculative.
Background and Early Announcement (2017)[]
In June 2017, during the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Jorge R. Gutierrez and Reel FX Animation announced that they were moving forward with The Book of Life 2. Gutierrez confirmed that he would return as the director, with Reel FX producing the film. The sequel was envisioned as a stereoscopic 3D animated film continuing the story of the original movie.[1]
Gutierrez explained that the sequel would build upon and delve deeper into the world and mythology and the themes of remembrance and the Day of the Dead, with a particular focus on the fates of the characters following the love triangle between Manolo, Joaquín, and María.
At the time, the project was in the early stages of development. Gutierrez and the creative team also designed a poster for The Book of Life 2 as part of an art exhibition on hypothetical movie sequels. The fan reaction to the poster was overwhelming, but Gutierrez later clarified that it was created for the exhibition and not as part of an official promotional campaign.[2]
Director’s Statement (2023)[]
In late 2023, Jorge R. Gutierrez made a statement on X (formerly Twitter) confirming that The Book of Life 2 had never been in active development under his direction. He explained that his ideas for a sequel were "locked away" and that he was "good if it never happens." Gutierrez emphasized that he had moved on to other projects and was not currently pursuing a continuation of The Book of Life.[2]
He also clarified that the earlier poster created for the sequel was part of an art show about fake movie sequels, not an official teaser for the film. The poster which had been circulating was created alongside Paul Sullivan, the production designer for the original The Book of Life.
Gutierrez’s statement effectively ended speculation about the sequel's development, with the director noting that there were many other creative projects he was more interested in pursuing.
“I’m good if it never happens. There’s a ton of other new things I’d rather do next…” — Jorge R. Gutierrez (December 12, 2023)