Will Disney+ release Luca 2, and what could it be about? The original animated movie, Luca, released in June 2021 and follows the journey of two young Italian sea monsters who dream of adventures on the mainland. Set in the Italian Riviera, the Disney/Pixar movie doesn't necessarily tease a sequel, but a follow-up does seem likely based on positive critic reviews and telling statements from director Enrico Casarosa.
At 95 minutes in duration, Luca sweetly and swiftly resolves the main conflict for its titular 13-year-old protagonist, voiced by Canadian actor Jacob Tremblay. Luca Paguro demonstrates his bravery by rebelling against his parents and traveling to the land above, then investigates the possibilities of being human with his fellow sea monster and new friend, Alberto Scorfano (Jack Dylan Grazer). With the assistance of Portorosso resident Giulia Marcovaldo (Emma Berman), Luca and Alberto immerse themselves in the Italian Riviera town, all the while strengthening their bond and planning for the future.
Luca's ending scene reveals that the title character will begin a new adventure while attending school with Giulia. However, this means that not only will Luca leave his aquatic community, but will also leave Alberto, who decides to stay in Portorosso to assist his new boss, Giulia's father, Massimo Marcovaldo (Marco Barricelli).
Will Luca 2 Happen?
Luca has been praised by critics, evidenced by a "Certified Fresh" Rotten Tomatoes score. Based on the film's universal themes about hope, family, and friendship, it seems that the Disney+ movie will resonate with audiences. Luca 2 may not be officially announced by the end of 2021, however, Disney and Pixar could potentially have a sequel on their minds already. According to a June 2021 report (via Entertainment Tonight), the director Casarosa feels optimistic about a second Disney+ Luca movie or even a series:
"When we pitched this, there was no Disney+ at all," Casarosa says. "We really think about the film, first and foremost. We're now, though, in a place where people can pitch a series. I think there's wonderful, new things on the horizon that are coming from Pixar in the long-form format, which are exciting."
Luca 2 Release Date
Pixar originally announced Luca in July 2020 and released the film less than a year later. Moving forward, fans can expect a sequel to release by 2024 at the earliest. It's certainly plausible that producers could prioritize 2023 as a potential release date for Luca 2, however, that's unlikely given the scope of production and the overall animation process. As of now, Pixar has three films scheduled through 2023: Turning Red, Lightyear, and an untitled animated production. A potential Luca 2 would likely release sometime between 2024 and 2026.
Luca 2 Voice Cast
If Luca 2 happens, the entire voice cast will most likely return. Tremblay and Grazer would reprise their roles as Luca and Alberto, while Maya Rudolph and Jim Gaffigan might have reduced roles as Luca's parents, along with Sacha Baron Cohen as Uncle Ugo. The sequel could potentially take place outside of Portorosso, which means that some other known names and native Italian performers could be cast for a storyline about Luca's school experiences with Berman's Giulia.
Luca 2 Story Details
Based on Luca's ending, the sequel will follow the title character and Giulia at their new school. The storyline can shift between various locations across Northern Italy, whether it's the sea monsters' underwater home, the town of Portorosso, or wherever Luca ends up. The original film takes place in the '60s, so future installment may progressively build toward the present. If Luca 2 isn't scheduled until 2024 or beyond, then the filmmakers may plan for a collegiate-themed narrative that could follow the protagonists during the late '60s or early '70s. However, audiences may be emotionally invested in Luca's immediate experiences after the events of the Disney-Pixar movie.