What Happened to Incredibles 3?
After years of speculation, Pixar officially confirmed 'Incredibles 3' in August 2024, with a theatrical release set for June 16, 2028. While original director Brad Bird will return as a writer and executive producer, Peter Sohn is taking over directorial duties, marking a significant change for the beloved superhero franchise. Production is currently underway, with voice recording having commenced in March 2026.
Quick Answer
Incredibles 3 is officially happening, with Pixar announcing a release date of June 16, 2028. Peter Sohn, known for 'Elemental', is set to direct, while original director Brad Bird will contribute as a writer and executive producer. Voice recording for the highly anticipated sequel began in March 2026, with the main cast expected to reprise their roles.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline10 events
The Incredibles Released
Pixar releases 'The Incredibles', directed by Brad Bird, to critical and commercial success, winning an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Incredibles 2 Released
The highly anticipated sequel, 'Incredibles 2', also directed by Brad Bird, hits theaters, grossing over $1.2 billion worldwide and setting new box office records.
Brad Bird Hints at Unused Ideas
Following the release of 'Incredibles 2', director Brad Bird acknowledges that a rushed production schedule led to many plotlines and ideas being cut, suggesting potential material for future films.
Incredibles 3 Officially Confirmed at D23
Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter officially confirms that 'Incredibles 3' is in development during Disney's D23 Expo.
Samuel L. Jackson Expresses Interest in Frozone's Story
Samuel L. Jackson, voice of Frozone, publicly expresses interest in exploring his character's origin story in 'Incredibles 3'.
Peter Sohn Announced as Director, Brad Bird as Writer/EP
Pixar announces that Peter Sohn, director of 'Elemental', will take over directorial duties for 'Incredibles 3', with Brad Bird stepping back to serve as writer and executive producer.
Holly Hunter Confirms March Production Start
Holly Hunter, the voice of Elastigirl, reveals in an interview that voice recording and production for 'Incredibles 3' is scheduled to begin in March 2026.
Pixar's Sequel Strategy Detailed
A Wall Street Journal report highlights Pixar's renewed focus on sequels, including 'Incredibles 3', as part of a strategy to bolster box office performance.
Pixar Unveils Long-Term Slate, Reconfirms 2028 for Incredibles 3
Pixar officially unveils its long-term development slate, aggressively leaning into successful franchises and reconfirming 'Incredibles 3' for a 2028 release.
Official Release Date Announced: June 16, 2028
During a Disney Shareholder call, the official release date for 'Incredibles 3' is revealed as June 16, 2028, along with the film's logo.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The journey to 'Incredibles 3' has been a long one, filled with anticipation following the commercial and critical success of its predecessors. The first film, 'The Incredibles' (2004), garnered widespread acclaim, followed by 'Incredibles 2' (2018), which earned over $1.2 billion worldwide, setting a record for the best opening weekend for an animated film at the time.
Speculation about a third installment persisted for years, fueled by director Brad Bird's comments in 2018 that a truncated production schedule for 'Incredibles 2' meant many ideas and plotlines were left unexplored. The official confirmation finally arrived at Disney's D23 event in August 2024, igniting excitement among fans. This announcement was part of a broader strategic shift at Pixar, which, after some original films struggled at the box office, decided to lean more heavily into its successful franchises to reaffirm its market dominance.
A significant development occurred in June 2025 when it was announced that Brad Bird would not return to direct 'Incredibles 3'. Instead, Peter Sohn, who directed 'Elemental' and 'The Good Dinosaur', was tapped to helm the project. Bird, however, remains involved as a writer and executive producer, ensuring his creative vision continues to influence the franchise. This change in directorial leadership, while surprising to some, is attributed to Bird's commitment to other projects, including his long-gestating animated film 'Ray Gunn' for Skydance Animation and Netflix.
As of March 2026, 'Incredibles 3' is firmly in production. Holly Hunter, the voice of Elastigirl, confirmed in January 2026 that voice recording was scheduled to commence in March. While specific plot details remain under wraps, the film is slated for a June 16, 2028 release. This 2028 release date positions the film ten years after 'Incredibles 2' and 24 years after the original, continuing the franchise's tradition of significant gaps between installments. The return of the core voice cast, including Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, and Samuel L. Jackson, is widely anticipated, promising continuity for the beloved Parr family.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Incredibles 3 made different choices?