Stephanie Beatriz, the gifted voice behind the lead character, Maribel, in the Disney animated film, Encanto, recently sang a hopeful tune regarding a potential sequel. Yet, her song remains shrouded in uncertainty, as Disney has yet to release an official word about the film’s much-anticipated sequel.
Beatriz’s comments, made during an interview with The Wrap, conveyed her affection for the Encanto team and that she’s ready to lend her voice to the Madrigal family’s tale.
Despite the current focus of directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard on a sequel to Zootopia, Beatriz expressed her longing to work with them again.
Encanto’s initially tepid performance at the box office was offset by the power of word of mouth as it eventually found its rhythm at home all over the world on Disney’s then-relatively-new streaming service, Disney+. This shift in fortunes allowed Encanto to strike a chord with audiences worldwide, culminating in its soundtrack reaching number one on the US Billboard 200 chart and the film bagging the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. In light of this success, one could surmise that a sequel might be around the corner, but as of now, we remain on tenterhooks.
Looking beyond the possibility of Encanto 2, the narrative’s rich and vibrant universe offers a handful of opportunities for expansion and exploration. The magical realm of the Madrigals, now facing an open world after the apparent fracturing of their mountains, could serve as a launching pad for a multitude of new stories. Imagine an older Mirabel, grappling with the joys and trials of motherhood or even the wisdom of grandmotherhood, leading the Madrigal family through new adventures.
Adding to this sense of narrative potential, Encanto’s writer and director Jared Bush has flirted with the idea of a spin-off to the animated film, which he believes is the ideal route for the franchise. Such a move would allow for deeper dives into the enchanting universe of the Madrigals, potentially bringing to life previously unexplored facets of their magical existence.
Even as the possibility of a sequel hangs in the balance, Encanto’s spell continues to bind audiences, and the demand for a sequel is hard to miss. Fans have expressed their desire to experience the magic of the Madrigal family in a more immersive form – a ride or attraction at Disneyland or Disney’s other theme parks. The whimsical, fantastical realm of Encanto seems a perfect fit for the immersive experiences Disney is known for, such as a detailed replica of the Madrigal residence or Antonio’s animal-filled room.
The indelible imprint Encanto has left on Disney’s animated legacy is undeniable. Despite a handful of hardcore Disney fans voicing their discontent, the film’s widespread acceptance and popularity are hard to ignore. Echoes of Encanto’s hit songs, including “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” and “Surface Pressure,” reverberate on social media and in Disney parks, a testament to the film’s continued resonance.
While no definitive news of Encanto 2 has been released, the persistent hum of hopeful speculation continues. We can but listen and wait, eager to hear the next harmonious note from the enchanting world of the Madrigals.
So, do we talk about Encanto? Most definitely, and the conversation seems far from over.
In the meantime, Beatriz is starring in Peacock’s Twisted Metal live-action adaptation, which is all but poised to get renewed for a second season.
