UPDATE: In a surprising turn of events, Netflix has confirmed a sequel to the animated hit The Mitchells vs. The Machines, but it will move forward without original co-director Jeff Rowe. Just announced, this development is raising eyebrows among fans who loved the first film, which premiered on April 22, 2021.
The original movie followed a Michigan family on a road trip to deliver their daughter to film school in Los Angeles, only to face a global robot apocalypse. Featuring a star-studded cast including Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, and Maya Rudolph, the film became a massive success for Netflix, achieving a near-perfect 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and setting records as the streamer’s most-watched animated title at the time.
However, in a recent interview with ScreenRant, Rowe revealed he will not return for the sequel due to his commitments to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise. “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 Paramount’s projects.
Rowe’s departure raises questions about the sequel’s direction. Despite this setback, Netflix aims to keep the momentum going with a creative team that includes Guillermo Martinez, head of story for the original, stepping up to co-direct alongside JP Sans from The Bad Guys 2. The Molyneux sisters, known for their work on Bob’s Burgers, will write the script, while producers Mike Rianda, Phil Lord, Chris Miller, and Kurt Albrecht remain involved.
As Netflix pushes forward, the animation slate is more critical than ever. Following the success of KPop Demon Hunters, which has surpassed The Mitchells vs. The Machines to become Netflix’s biggest animated hit, expectations are high for the sequel. The original film, which lost the Best Animated Feature Oscar to Disney’s Encanto, set a strong precedent for quality and audience engagement.
While Rowe’s absence may disappoint fans, the involvement of seasoned creatives suggests that the sequel is in capable hands. The animation industry often encounters challenges with leadership changes, especially given the multi-year production timelines typical of animated films. Netflix’s commitment to high-quality animation remains evident, especially in light of its ongoing partnership with Sony Pictures Animation.
As Rowe continues his work on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise—specifically the Mutant Mayhem sequel set for a September 2027 release—the development of The Mitchells vs. The Machines sequel is expected to ramp up soon. Fans can look forward to updates on casting, release dates, and teasers as the project progresses.
With the animation landscape rapidly evolving, and Netflix eager to retain its animated audience, the upcoming sequel is poised to build on the beloved original while charting new creative territory. Stay tuned for more urgent updates as this story develops.
