Encanto producer paints a promising future for expanding the franchise

Encanto was released two years ago but its box office run was hampered by the ongoing pandemic. After having its theatrical run cut short, it found a new home on Disney+ where it went on to become one of Disney's most popular new franchises.

With rave reviews, catchy songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, gorgeous visuals and a heartwarming story, there's lots to love about Encanto. And the Madrigals themselves are an entertaining and intriguing bunch, each blessed with magical gifts that they use to help the community.

With so much untapped potential, many are wondering what Disney will do with the Encanto franchise. And while we don't have specifics, producer Yvett Merino did hint that the company is looking to expand upon the IP.

“I think we will continue to work on what that actually means. But we are so blown away by the reaction and how 'Encanto' kind of connected with so many people. We continue to look at different ways that we can keep the world alive," Merino told The Direct. "I know they teased a little bit of destination D23 about something 'Encanto' coming, possibly to one of the parks. And we love that…”

Merino was referring to Disney's announcement of a possible rebrand coming to Animal Kingdom. The plan right now is to convert what is currently DinoLand, U.S.A. into a themed land featuring elements from both Encanto and Indiana Jones. The two franchises aren't at all related, but I suppose the exotic locations in each franchise will help them fit together.

As it currently stands, Encanto's presence in the parks are currently limited to a meet-and-greet in Magic Kingdom and a few appearances in the parades and nighttime spectaculars.

As for the potential of a sequel movie or spin-off series, Merino wouldn't confirm either. Despite nothing official to announce, Merino did leave us with a bit of an exciting teaser:

"There's different—we're working closely with our friends in publishing and consumer products to make sure—there's always different ideas and needs and wants for, for it to stay alive out there. But I don't have anything official to say, but I love the 'Encanto' world and can't wait to see it expand across the company.”

What would you like to see Disney do with the Encanto franchise?