Ever since Disney Pixar announced the development of “Coco” in 2012, little has been known about the animated film except that it takes place in Mexico on the Día de los Muertos aka Day of the Dead, an annual Mexican holiday.
Until now.
Helmed by “Toy Story 3” filmmaker Lee Unkrich, it was revealed that the upcoming music-centred film revolves around a 12-year-old boy named Miguel and his adventures to the Land of the Dead. “Coco” will also feature an all-Latino voice cast.
The official plot is as follow:
“Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel (voiced by newcomer Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (voiced by Benjamin Bratt). Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colourful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector (voiced by Gael García Bernal), and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history. Character actress Renée Victor also joins the cast as Abuelita, Miguel’s grandmother.”
Described as a “love letter to Mexico”, Unkrich and producer Darla K. Anderson said, “As artists and filmmakers, we couldn’t help but be drawn to the striking visuals of Dia de los Muertos.
“In our story, the celebration of Dia de los Muertos serves as the perfect backdrop for our main character to ask where he comes from, what his place is within his family, and how families stay woven together across time through the simple act of remembrance.”
We are super psyched about “Coco” but at the same time, we’re also a little worried as the concept resembles 20th Century Fox Animation’s 2014 film, “The Book of Life“.
The film is slated for release sometime around November 2017.
Sources: Collider, Coming Soon, The Verge.
