A Ratatouille sequel remains frustratingly elusive, and a 2018 interview with writer-director Brad Bird reveals why Ratatouille 2 will likely never happen. Pixar is no stranger when it comes to sequels and franchises, but not every Pixar movie receives the franchise treatment like Toy Story and Cars did. While 2007's Ratatouille is a worthy sequel candidate by almost any metric, there's a reason why Ratatouille 2 doesn’t exist.
Many factors go into making a movie sequel, and it’s natural to wonder if Ratatouille 2 is considered a big risk for Pixar despite the original’s critical and commercial success. However, it seems like the decision to keep Ratatouille as a one-off movie lies mostly on Brad Bird’s shoulders. As such, while there are many reasons why a Ratatouille sequel would work, it's very unlikely to ever come to fruition.
Why Ratatouille 2 Hasn't Happened
In June 2018, Brad Bird spoke with io9 about possible sequels to some of his movies, like Ratatouille and The Iron Giant. Bird expressed disinterest in making more Ratatouille content because “that story is told,” and The Incredibles 2 director also said, “No one apparently wants anything new anymore. I’m a little at odds with society on that. I would like to do some new things.” Ironically, The Incredibles 2 released in theaters a few days after the interview - but the point made was clear when it came to the potential of a prospective Ratatouille 2.
It's been fifteen years since the movie about a chef controlled by a rat made over $600 million and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Even now, there are no signs of Ratatouille 2 ever happening. Brad Bird’s comments make it clear audiences shouldn’t hold their breath for a sequel, but it’s also true The Incredibles 2 came to fruition fourteen years after its predecessor. That means there’s still hope, and Disney knows hope can build more than just rebellions.
What Would Ratatouille 2 Be About?
The sequel possibilities are endless; Ratatouille 2 could take place in France again, or Remy could go to another country. A villainous cat would also be very on-brand for a rat protagonist. Remy and Alfredo could compete in a cooking competition like Chopped for desperately needed prize money, like Sylvester Stallone in Over the Top. The beloved original Pixar movie did well to blend real life with the fantastical world of fine dining, and this leaves a lot of potential open for a future story.
With the notable exception of The Incredibles 2, Brad Bird seems to be taking Chef Gusteau's advice to heart: "If you focus on what you left behind, you will never see what lies ahead!" While Brad Bird doesn’t want to make a Ratatouille sequel, Disney could always end up finding someone else who can and will make a successor. After all, Disney’s message of hope is often bundled with the “unlimited power” of food, from Andor's blue-green oddities to Turning Red's drool-inducing delights. Right now, unfortunately, Ratatouille 2 about as likely as a real rat-controlled chef.