Pixar’s “Incredibles 3” is officially in development and poised to arrive around summer 2028, with Peter Sohn taking the helm as director while Brad Bird returns as screenwriter and executive producer. Voice recordings begin in March 2026, marking the start of the film’s production phase .
Development and Creative Leadership
Pixar confirmed “Incredibles 3” at the D23 Expo in August 2024, with Brad Bird—a staple of the franchise—set to return in a creative capacity . However, in June 2025, it was revealed that Peter Sohn, director of Elemental and The Good Dinosaur, would be directing the third installment, while Bird would focus on writing and producing .
This handoff represents a clear evolution in leadership—Sohn brings fresh visual energy and continuity with Pixar’s recent successes, while Bird’s continued involvement ensures narrative coherence and legacy continuity.
Production Timeline and Release Plans
Voice recording for “Incredibles 3” is scheduled to begin in March 2026, according to Holly Hunter (voice of Elastigirl), a telltale sign that core animation work will follow soon after . Considering Pixar’s typical production rhythm, this aligns well with a summer 2028 release window, fitting into their currently open calendar .
Pixar’s creative pipeline also suggests that “Incredibles 3” and Coco 2 are slated for 2028 or later, marking a continuing focus on sequels to beloved franchises .
Story Hints and Cast Expectations
Plot details remain under wraps, but Brad Bird has hinted that unused storylines from Incredibles 2 could resurface in the new installment—offering a rich emotional and thematic foundation . The beloved cast—including Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, and Samuel L. Jackson—is expected to return, bringing their familiar voices back to the Parr family (and Frozone) .
Why It Matters: Legacy, Expectation, and Evolution
The Incredibles franchise has always balanced superhero spectacle with heartfelt familial themes. The first two films combined made nearly $1.9 billion globally, and Bird’s creative vision was central to their emotional and visual DNA .
Handing over direction to Sohn signals Pixar’s broader evolution—blending legacy creators with new voices. Sohn’s recent success with Elemental, itself a sleeper hit, aligns with Pixar’s drive to refresh storytelling while honoring fan-favorite franchises .
“It’s an exciting shift. Brad Bird keeps the heart alive; Peter Sohn brings fresh eyes—and the voice cast remains our bridge to home.”
What to Watch For Next
- Voice recording kicks off in March 2026 — keeps an eye on updates around that time.
- Trailer or first footage likely drops in 2027 if the film targets summer 2028.
- Promotional events—such as D23 or CinemaCon—will probably begin teases in late 2026 or early 2027.
- Buzz around storyline may grow as writers tease connections to Incredibles 2.
FAQs
When will “Incredibles 3” be released?
The film is expected to hit theaters in summer 2028, based on production timelines and confirmation from Pixar .
Who is directing and writing “Incredibles 3”?
Peter Sohn is directing, while Brad Bird is returning as screenwriter and executive producer .
When does production start?
Voice recording begins in March 2026, signaling that full-scale production—including animation—is slated to follow shortly after .
Will the original voice cast return?
Yes. Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, and Samuel L. Jackson are expected to return to their roles, with potential for additional favorites as well .
Why isn’t Brad Bird directing?
Bird stepped away from directing due to his commitment to another project (Ray Gunn). However, he remains heavily involved as writer and producer to maintain the story’s integrity .
What might the plot include?
Though details are scarce, unused storyline ideas from Incredibles 2 are likely to be woven into the third film, offering a deeper continuation of the Parr family’s journey .
A long-awaited return for the Parr family is finally in motion—helmed by fresh vision and old magic, aiming for that next summer to be truly incredible.
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