BREAKING: Netflix has just confirmed the development of a sequel to the hit animated film The Mitchells vs. the Machines, but it will be without original co-director Jeff Rowe. This news comes as the streaming giant aims to capitalize on the success of the first film, which premiered on April 22, 2021, and quickly became a fan favorite.
The original movie, featuring a star-studded cast including Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, and Maya Rudolph, followed a Michigan family on a chaotic road trip that coincided with a global AI takeover. Garnering a near-perfect 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it was Netflix’s most-watched animated title at the time.
In an exclusive interview with ScreenRant, Rowe revealed that his commitment to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise is the primary reason for his departure from the sequel. “I’m all Turtles all the time now. They’re my sons. They’re my bosses. They are my family,” he stated, emphasizing his dedication to the franchise after directing Mutant Mayhem and signing a multi-year deal with Paramount Animation.
Despite Rowe’s absence, the sequel is poised for success with a strong creative team. Guillermo Martinez, the head of story from the original film, will co-direct alongside JP Sans of The Bad Guys 2. The Molyneux sisters, known for their work on Bob’s Burgers, are set to write the script, while producers Mike Rianda, Phil Lord, Chris Miller, and Kurt Albrecht will ensure continuity in the film’s vision.
As Netflix continues to build its animation portfolio, the announcement of this sequel highlights the platform’s ambition to maintain its competitive edge in the industry. The success of the original film, which narrowly lost the Best Animated Feature Oscar to Disney’s Encanto, paved the way for this sequel. Additionally, Netflix’s partnership with Sony Pictures Animation has already yielded other hits, including KPop Demon Hunters, which recently surpassed The Mitchells vs. the Machines to become Netflix’s biggest animated hit.
Fans of the original film may be disappointed by Rowe’s exit, but with a talented team at the helm, the Mitchells vs. the Machines sequel is set to deliver another exciting adventure. Production timelines for animated films can often span several years, so viewers can expect more updates as the project progresses.
Stay tuned as we bring you more updates on this developing story and what it means for the future of animated films on Netflix.
