“Mitchells vs. the Machines 2” Coming to Netflix (Exclusive)

Fans of the critically acclaimed animated feature The Mitchells vs. the Machines have reason to rejoice, as a sequel is officially in the works. Sony Pictures Animation is set to produce The Mitchells vs. the Machines 2, with Netflix handling distribution, continuing the successful partnership established with the original film. This development brings the beloved, quirky family back for another adventure, promising more humor, heart, and vibrant animation.

The Journey to a Sequel

The original The Mitchells vs. the Machines, released in 2021, garnered significant praise for its innovative animation style, engaging story, and relatable characters. Its success at the 94th Academy Awards, where it was nominated for Best Animated Feature, and its triumph at the 49th Annie Awards, where it swept eight categories including Best Animated Feature, underscored its critical acclaim and audience appeal.

The greenlight for The Mitchells vs. the Machines 2 sees key creative talents returning and new ones joining the fold. Guillermo Martinez, who served as head of story for the first “Mitchells” film, and JP Sans, co-director of The Bad Guys 2, are slated to direct the sequel. This marks Martinez’s directorial debut.

The screenplay will be penned by Wendy Molyneux and Lizzie Molyneux-Logelin, professionally known as the Molyneux sisters, renowned for their work on The Great North. Production for the highly anticipated sequel is anticipated to commence in early 2026.

A Continued Partnership: Sony Animation and Netflix

The distribution model for The Mitchells vs. the Machines 2 will mirror that of its predecessor, with Netflix distributing the film as part of a licensing agreement with Sony. The initial film was originally slated for a theatrical release by Sony Pictures in 2020 under the title Connected. However, due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Netflix acquired the distribution rights for a reported sum exceeding $100 million, reverting to the original title.

This time, Sony and Netflix are reportedly planning a more collaborative partnership for the second “Mitchells” movie, building on their established relationship. This collaboration extends beyond the Mitchells franchise, as evidenced by Sony’s animated feature KPop Demon Hunters, which also found a home on Netflix and became one of the streamer’s most-watched movies, with talks of a sequel already underway.

Recalling the Original Adventure

The first film introduced audiences to the eccentric Mitchell family: technophobic father Rick (voiced by Danny McBride), overly sweet mother Linda (Maya Rudolph), hyperactive younger brother Aaron (Mike Rianda), and creative eldest daughter Katie (Abbi Jacobson). Their cross-country road trip to take Katie to film school is dramatically interrupted by a global robot rebellion orchestrated by a rogue AI named PAL (Olivia Colman). The family, along with a pair of malfunctioning robots, becomes humanity’s unlikely last hope.

The film was celebrated for its distinctive hand-painted animation style, a visual approach that contributed significantly to its unique charm and critical success.

Behind the Scenes: The Creative Team

The sequel benefits from the continued involvement of executive producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, through their company Lord Miller, alongside Kurt Albrecht producing for Sony Pictures Animation. Mike Rianda, who co-wrote and directed the original acclaimed film, will return as an executive producer, joined by Lord Miller’s Aditya Sood.

Guillermo Martinez’s career includes work on Laika’s Missing Link (2019) and serving as head of story on the first Mitchells vs. the Machines. He also contributed to Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) and KPop Demon Hunters. JP Sans’s animation credits at DreamWorks Animation include Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, and Trolls World Tour, prior to co-directing The Bad Guys 2 (2025).

What to Expect from the Next Chapter

While specific plot details for The Mitchells vs. the Machines 2 remain under wraps, the return of the original creative team suggests a continuation of the first film’s blend of humor, genuine emotion, and visual innovation. Viewers can likely anticipate further exploration of the Mitchell family dynamic, new challenges for the unlikely heroes, and an expansion of the imaginative world established in the initial installment. The animation style, celebrated for its unique aesthetic combining 2D and 3D elements, is expected to maintain its distinctive charm.

FAQ Section

Will the original voice cast return for The Mitchells vs. the Machines 2?

While an official announcement regarding the full voice cast has not yet been made, it is common for key voice actors from successful animated films to reprise their roles in sequels. Abbi Jacobson has reportedly confirmed her return as Katie Mitchell.

When is The Mitchells vs. the Machines 2 expected to be released?

As of late 2025, production is expected to begin in early 2026. Animated features typically have lengthy production cycles, so a release date would likely be several years after the commencement of production. No official release date has been announced.

Will The Mitchells vs. the Machines 2 be released in theaters?

Similar to the first film, Netflix will distribute the sequel as part of a licensing agreement with Sony. While the original film had a limited theatrical release before its streaming debut, the primary distribution for the sequel is expected to be through Netflix.

Conclusion

The confirmation of The Mitchells vs. the Machines 2 marks an exciting development for animation enthusiasts and fans of the original film. With a talented creative team at the helm and the continued partnership between Sony Pictures Animation and Netflix, the sequel is poised to deliver another memorable, visually striking, and emotionally resonant cinematic experience. As production gears up, anticipation will undoubtedly grow for the return of the Mitchell family and their next world-saving escapade.