Nearly 20 years after Ratatouille captured hearts with its tale of a rat with a passion for fine cuisine, Disney and Pixar are stirring the pot once more. Reliable industry sources have confirmed that Ratatouille 2 is in the early stages of development, marking the latest addition to Pixar’s growing lineup of sequels. The news, first reported in mid-2025 by insider Jeff Sneider on his podcast The Hot Mic, has sparked widespread excitement among fans who have long wondered if Remy the rat would ever return to the kitchen.
The original Ratatouille, released in 2007 and directed by Brad Bird, remains one of Pixar’s most critically acclaimed films. With a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, it told the charming story of Remy (voiced by Patton Oswalt), a rat with refined taste buds who dreams of becoming a chef in Paris. Partnering with clumsy garbage boy Alfredo Linguini (Lou Romano), Remy achieves culinary greatness while hiding his true identity. The film’s themes of pursuing dreams, defying expectations, and the joy of food resonated deeply, earning over $620 million worldwide and inspiring the popular Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure ride at Disney parks in Paris and Florida.
For years, a sequel seemed unlikely. The original ended on a perfect, bittersweet note: Gusteau’s restaurant closes, but Remy and Linguini open a new bistro called La Ratatouille, where humans and rats can coexist in harmony. Bird himself has been cautious about revisiting the story, and Oswalt has repeatedly said he would only return if Bird had a compelling new idea. In a recent interview, Oswalt emphasized his trust in Bird, stating that the sequel’s existence hinges on the director finding something truly special. Without Bird’s involvement, many feared the magic might be lost.
Yet Pixar’s current creative direction has shifted toward sequels. Under Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter, the studio has adopted a strategy of alternating original films with established franchises to ensure box-office stability. Recent successes like Inside Out 2 (which became the highest-grossing animated film ever) and upcoming projects such as Toy Story 5, Incredibles 3, and Coco 2 have paved the way. Ratatouille 2 fits this pattern perfectly, arriving as the franchise approaches its 20th anniversary in 2027.
While details remain scarce in these early stages, speculation about the plot abounds. The story could follow Remy and Linguini years later, perhaps expanding their bistro into something bigger or facing new challenges in the culinary world. Some fans imagine a move beyond Paris—perhaps to New York or another global food capital—where Remy encounters modern food trends, corporate threats, or international competitors. Others envision exploring Remy’s family life, with his rat relatives or a new generation of aspiring chefs. Concept trailers and fan-made videos have circulated online, depicting Remy defending the soul of cooking against robotic chefs or embarking on a street-food adventure across cities like Algiers, Rome, and Bangkok.
The core cast is expected to return, with Oswalt reprising Remy, Romano as Linguini, and Janeane Garofalo as the talented chef Colette. Peter Sohn, who voiced Remy’s brother Emile, could also return, along with supporting voices like Brian Dennehy (as Django) and Peter O’Toole’s iconic turn as critic Anton Ego (though O’Toole passed away in 2013, archival audio or a new actor might be considered). Brad Bird’s involvement remains unconfirmed, but his potential return would be crucial for maintaining the original’s sophisticated tone and emotional depth. Michael Giacchino, who composed the Oscar-nominated score for the first film, is likely to return for the music, ensuring the soundtrack captures the same elegant French flair.
The timing aligns with Pixar’s renewed focus on franchises amid a challenging theatrical landscape. After a string of original films underperformed, the studio has leaned into proven IP to deliver consistent hits. Ratatouille‘s enduring popularity—boosted by memes, park attractions, and its timeless message—makes it a safe yet inspired choice. The film’s celebration of creativity and authenticity could resonate even more today, offering a fresh take on food culture in an era of viral trends and fast-casual dining.
As development progresses, Pixar will need to honor what made the original special: its blend of whimsy, heart, and subtle commentary on ambition and prejudice. The risk is turning a standalone gem into just another sequel, but if Bird or a worthy successor brings a fresh vision, Ratatouille 2 could recapture the magic that made the first film unforgettable.
For now, fans can savor the anticipation. Remy is back in the kitchen, and the recipe promises something delicious. Whether it becomes a full-fledged triumph or a quiet side dish remains to be seen, but the ingredients are there for another Pixar masterpiece.
