Pixar announces Día de Muertos inspired film ‘Coco’
At this year’s D23 expo, the celebration of up and coming Disney company projects, Pixar let audiences in on their next original film which will be a Mexican Day of the Dead inspired adventure Coco (Coco is a ghost-like figure in Mexican folklore, much like the western bogey man)
Darla K. Anderson and Lee Unkrich reveal Coco
The film, described by Pixar’s founding father John Lasseter as “breathtaking, beautiful, and fun” is sure to be a stunning display of just what makes Pixar’s original narratives and wonderfully constructed worlds so admired within the animation community and mainstream cinema audiences. There is potential for this story to take a darker turn in style due to its subject matter as Día de Muertos – or the Day of the Dead – is well documented and celebrated Mexican tradition in which the country remembers and celebrates dearly departed family members.
Very little has been released so far about the plot or the visuals, however we do know that the film is to be directed by the talented Lee Unkrich (Toy Story 3) and produced by Darla K. Anderson (A Bugs Life, Cars, Monsters Inc).
Character study of Miguel (photo taken by @InsideTheMagic on twitter)
The lucky attendees at the expo were introduced to main character Miguel (see above) as well as hearing the official description for the first time.
Coco is the celebration of a lifetime, where the discovery of a generations-old mystery leads to a most extraordinary and surprising family reunion.
I for one am looking forward to this, as it will serve as a welcome break from the studio’s current sequel trend as well as showcasing what Pixar can do with a slightly darker storyline. It will be interesting to see just how Pixar will treat this well-trodden and beloved Mexican celebration.