A sequel to DreamWorks’ animated hit The Wild Robot is officially in development following its overwhelming critical and commercial success. Based on Peter Brown’s beloved children’s book, the film tells the story of Roz (voiced by Lupita Nyong’o), a robot stranded on a desert island, where she forms a deep bond with an orphaned gosling, Brightbill (Kit Connor), and learns to thrive in the wilderness.
Released on September 27, 2024, the movie has already earned widespread acclaim, achieving a Certified Fresh 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes and matching audience approval. At the box office, The Wild Robot has grossed over $100 million globally in its first two weeks.
Sequel Plans Confirmed
Director Chris Sanders, known for How to Train Your Dragon, confirmed the sequel during Deadline Contenders, saying, “100% yes, there are absolutely plans for a second one.” While Sanders refrained from sharing further details, the sequel appears to be in the early stages of development.
Given the film’s stellar reviews and strong box office performance, news of a sequel comes as no surprise. The project also cements The Wild Robot as the second DreamWorks franchise to emerge in as many years, following the success of The Bad Guys (2022), which will see its sequel release in August 2025.
DreamWorks’ Legacy of Franchise Success
DreamWorks has a rich history of turning original animated hits into thriving franchises. Below is a timeline of franchise-launching films that received sequels within five years:
| Title | Premiere Date |
|---|---|
| Shrek | May 18, 2001 |
| Madagascar | May 27, 2005 |
| Kung Fu Panda | June 6, 2008 |
| How to Train Your Dragon | March 26, 2010 |
| Trolls | November 4, 2016 |
| The Boss Baby | March 31, 2017 |
| The Bad Guys | April 22, 2022 |
| The Wild Robot | September 27, 2024 |
DreamWorks has a knack for launching franchises in quick succession, as seen with Kung Fu Panda and How to Train Your Dragon in the late 2000s and Trolls and The Boss Baby in the mid-2010s. With The Wild Robot and The Bad Guys establishing themselves as franchise starters, DreamWorks continues to blend innovation with its legacy of animated excellence.
As The Wild Robot expands into a series, fans can look forward to more heartfelt and visually stunning adventures from Roz and Brightbill.