Sony Pictures Animation and Netflix are returning to the chaotic world of The Mitchells vs. the Machines.

Early development is underway on a follow-up to the acclaimed 2021 animated feature, in which AI was bent on world domination. It’s the newest collaboration for the studio and the streaming giant, hot off their summer sensation KPop Demon Hunters, which is now Netflix’s most-watched film ever.

As with KPop Demon Hunters, Netflix distributed the original Mitchells film worldwide. Originally slated for a release in cinemas, the streamer acquired the film when the COVID pandemic made a theatrical release unrealistic. There appears to be a new deal in place for this sequel, allowing the streamer to have more creative input in the film’s development. 

The new arrangement aligns with how Netflix has been positioning animated films as a high-priority category in its library, since the films consistently drive strong viewership, even beyond the titanic success of KPDH. At the time of its release, The Mitchells vs. the Machines became Netflix’s most-watched animated pic, with 53 million households tuning in during its first 28 days.

The original film, which was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards, followed a teen girl and her dysfunctional family, who must learn to overcome their differences to save the world from a rogue AI and its robot army. The sequel is perhaps even more timely than the original, now that AI has become widespread in the real world and has been generating both opportunities and dilemmas for the kids industry. (Ironically, Netflix just reiterated that it was betting big on AI as part of its Q3 earnings report this week.)

JP Sans (The Bad Guys 2) and Guillermo Martinez (We Bare Bears) are attached to direct, while OG director Michael Rianda (Gravity Falls) will executive produce. The script will be penned by Wendy Molyneux and Lizzie Molyneux-Logelin, sibling screenwriters who worked on Bob’s Burgers. Industry veterans Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (Lord Miller Productions) and Kurt Albrecht (Sony Pictures Animation) are also returning to produce, along with Aditya Sood as EP on behalf of Lord Miller.

Production on the film is scheduled to begin early next year.