- Primary Subject: The Wild Robot Escapes (the sequel to DreamWorks' The Wild Robot)
- Key Update: DreamWorks has officially greenlit a sequel titled The Wild Robot Escapes.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: March 6, 2026
- Quick Answer: DreamWorks is officially developing The Wild Robot Escapes. While original director Chris Sanders returns to write, Troy Quane and Heidi Jo Gilbert will direct.
DreamWorks' animation The Wild Robot was not just a box office hit when it was released in 2024, but it also became an awards favorite, as it received three Oscar nominations, including Best Animated Feature, and dominated the Annie Awards.
Considering that the source material spawned a trilogy of book series, fans have been wondering whether a sequel is in the works that will cover the second novel and bring back the beloved characters for another "wild" adventure.
Fortunately, it looks like a follow-up is now officially in the works. Here's what fans should expect in the next installment.
What to Expect in The Wild Robot Sequel
TheWrap confirmed that a sequel to The Wild Robot is officially in the works at DreamWorks, following the huge success of the first film.
As expected, the next installment will cover the second novel in the book series, The Wild Robot Escapes, which was released in 2018 and was also a best-seller.
Chris Sanders, who directed the first film, will not be returning to helm the sequel, but he is still set to write the screenplay. Troy Quane and Heidi Jo Gilbert will take over the directorial duties.
It remains unknown whether the main voice cast from the first installment is returning to reprise their roles in the sequel. There are also no details yet on whether the character, Pinktail, who was voiced by the late Catherine O'Hara in the first film, will be recast with another actress.
While it's surprising that Sanders will not be returning to the sequel, he has also notably skipped the directorial duties for the sequels to the original Lilo and Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon. He is currently working on the script for the sequel to the live-action Lilo and Stitch movie, with the possibility that he will direct.
For now, fans should stay tuned for more updates regarding the sequel in the coming months.
What is The Wild Robot Escapes About?
The Wild Robot Escapes follows Roz, who is assigned to work on a dairy farm, where she bonds with the family and animals but longs to return to her son, Brightbill, on the island. With the help of the farmer's children, she escapes, but faces danger while traveling home.
The book received acclaim from critics, with some even considering it to be better than the first novel. It is included in the "Top 10 Incredible Journeys in Middle-Grade Novels" in Booklist.
It remains to be seen whether the film adaptation will be faithful to the source material or if it will make some significant changes in the plotline.
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