Disney's Encanto was released in theaters on November 24, 2021. Despite the pandemic's adverse effects on its box office performance, the film achieved tremendous success on streaming platforms, quickly becoming Disney+'s fastest title to reach 200 million streaming hours. Encanto is praised for its heartfelt story and unique representation of Latin culture. Its achievements in music and visual storytelling earned the film numerous accolades, including an Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film. While there aren't a lot of details about the sequel, Encanto's ending left the door open for contemplation of what may transpire next in the Encanto universe.

9 Mirabel Takes Over As Head Of The Family

One of the most popular theories that has surfaced since Encanto's release is the idea of Mirabel following in Abuela Alma's footsteps and taking over as head of the family. In Encanto, several parallels connect Mirabel to Abuela, hinting at Mirabel possibly taking her place. Firstly, Mirabel and Abuela are the only Madrigals without any magical powers or abilities, a fact that can't be a mere coincidence. Secondly, Mirabel and Abuela are both nurturing caretakers for the other of the family despite their age difference and vastly different roles. Lastly, Mirabel and Abuela are the only people who can communicate with Casita.

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In the film, Alma is tasked with protecting the family but in the end, when things fall apart, it's Mirabel who literally helps put things back together. Not only does she help restore her family's magic, but after Casita is rebuilt, she can be seen placing the final doorknob in place. This minor detail isn't a mere coincidence. The image of Mirabel inserting the doorknob clearly foreshadows things to come.

Encanto 2 could showcase Mirabel being appointed the new candleholder, as a rite of age. This could mean that the powers are ed down to her or that she inherits them through some unforeseen circumstance. Disney is famous for its inclusion of tragic character deaths, ripping the hearts out of viewers with its devastating fatal twists. Perhaps Encanto 2 might see the death of Alma.

8 Mirabel Gets Her Own Powers/Room

Another concept that has been circulating online is Mirabel finally getting her powers. With Mirabel finally having a gift, she would be entitled to a room, a major milestone in her character development. Several theories suggest Mirabel may already have abilities, meaning that her love of family and ability to communicate with Casita are her natural-born powers. As touching as that is, it would be nice to see Mirabel have confirmed powers of her own.

Since the Madrigal's powers were originally manifested by the death of a loved one, another death could be the reason Mirabel gets her powers. Encanto 2 could see the death of Alma, which would allow Mirabel to step into her place. ​​​​​​Instead of getting her room, she could occupy Alma's room instead.

Another way this could work is Mirabel earning her powers through some testament of strength or personal development. Encanto 2 could see Bruno foreseeing a future where Mirabel is finally given a miracle. There would likely be some form of catch or drawback where Mirabel would have to complete some task or go on a journey of self-discovery, which would unlock her powers. Perhaps a scared relic or family emblem could do the trick.

7 Journey To The Past

The small glimpses of young Alma and her husband Pedro were not enough, there should be further exploration of Alma's past as a young mom in Encanto 2. In Encanto, several montages explain how the Madrigals got their gifts and why Abuela Alma is as controlling and overprotective as she is. The film shows the fatal sacrifice of the late Abuelo Pedro, which leads to the creation of the Madrigal's powers. Since Encanto skips over Alma's parenting journey, it would be cool to see that storyline develop more.

Encanto 2 could explore Alma's experience raising triplets on her own, a testament to her strength and resilience. The depiction of the single mom experience would be a tremendous milestone for representation since it's a rare POV in animated films. The sequel could open up to Alma post-morning, adjusting to her new life in a magical house. It would be exciting to watch the dynamic of baby Julieta, Pepa, and Burno and the moment they discover their magic powers. Maybe the audience could finally see the first-ever candle-lighting ceremony.

6 Dolores And Mariano Get Married

Encanto 2 may follow in the footsteps of Disney animated sequels like Mulan 2, and showcase an elaborate wedding between Dolores and Mariano. Throughout the film, Dolores is forced to keep her feelings for Mariano hidden because of his betrothal to Isabela. However, by the end, Dolores gets her redeeming moment, and the two can be seen walking off together discussing marriage.

Although Dolores initially tells him to "slow down," the couple would have had plenty of time to plan a wedding by the sequel. It would be fun to see the Madrigals dressed up, celebrating love with the people in their village. The film could depict the traditional elements of a Colombian wedding while adding touches of Madrigal magic for optimization (Isabela would undoubtedly dress the venue in her signature bouquets.) Dolores and Mariano's wedding presents yet another chance for Encanto to delve into the vibrant traditions of Colombian culture, a key element that contributed to the first film's fame.

5 The Madrigals Get Their First Villain

Encanto's central themes were about the love of family and the personal development of Mirabel. With this considered, a villain wasn't really necessary. Although having a Disney musical with no villain is refreshing, an Encanto villain would be an interesting conflict to introduce to the Madrigals's colorful world. And if the Madrigals had to work together to stop them, it'd be even cooler.

There are several ways a villain could work in Encanto 2. Encanto 2 could introduce a disgruntled villager with a grudge against the Madrigals. This personal vendetta could inspire the villain to try and turn the other villagers against them. Another option would be to introduce a rival with magic powers. This magical threat could have also been blessed with a miracle but chose to use their powers for personal gain. The idea that the Madrigals aren't the only ones with gifts would be a plot point that could work in more sequels to come.

4 The Sequel Explores The Other Of The Madrigals

Since Encanto focuses on Mirabel, the other Madrigal get very limited screen time. This leaves plenty of space for the other Madrigal to be further explored in the sequel. It would be also cool to spend some time in each of their rooms and see the family interact more, as well.

Encanto 2 could shift the focus from a Mirabel-driven plot to a story that centers on the entire family, allowing the Madrigals to play a bigger role in the story's development. With the film's crew hinting at wanting to explore the universe in various ways, hopefully, characters like Luisa will do more besides help Mirabel. With Casita back in order, there's space to develop arcs like Camilo's road to self-discovery and the reintroduction of Bruno to the family dynamic.

3 The Sequel Shows The Life Outside Of Casita

The film's emphasis on community leaves room for a more in-depth exploration of the Colombian village. With Casita up and running and the family's powers restored it's time to see what life is like for the Madrigals outside their magical house. By delving deeper into Encanto's setting, Encanto 2 could push the boundaries of its award-winning visuals while offering a more intimate portrayal of the Madrigal's down-to-earth side. Now that the pressure from Alma is off, the characters can really flourish and embrace who they are outside of their magic powers.

2 Encanto 2 Features A Song For The Dads

The dads of the Madrigal family are some of the coolest animated dads around, with character traits and hilarious bits that helped them stand out despite very little screen time. In Encanto, Felix and Agustín offer love, patience, and to their wives and children throughout the film. At the very least, they deserve a song. The chart-topping "We Don't Talk About Bruno" shows that Felix clearly has the pipes to belt out a ballad. The Encanto sequel could go the route of Frozen 2 and give the men a song of their own.

If Mariano marries into the family, he, Felix, and Agustin could sing about what It's like to be married to the Madrigal woman. Hearing them sing about the woes of being an ordinary man married to a magical woman would be a great opportunity for the men to shine and give us the dose of musical comedy that Disney films are known for. With the musicality and lyricism of the legendary Lin-Manuel Miranda, it would undoubtedly be catchy, hilarious, and right on theme.

1 Encanto 2 Upgrades The Madrigal Family's Powers

Sequels are an excellent opportunity for IPs to expand on existing lore. Usually by the second film, there's an expansion of the main character's powers, accompanied by new abilities and upgrades to the mythos. Songs like "What Else Can I Do?" are proof that Encanto barely scratches the surface of what the Madrigals are capable of. Encanto 2 could see upgrades to the Madrigals' magical powers.

It would only make sense that the character's powers would grow as their characters develop; this happens in magical universes all the time. It would be cool to see how the character development of Encanto influences the powers in Encanto 2. For example, the newfound acceptance among the Madrigals could see Bruno's powers grow even stronger. The sense of wholeness and internal love could unlock a new level of his magical foresight, granting him abilities he didn't know he had.