Rio 3 Release Date: Everything We Know in 2026
Fans have been waiting over a decade for Blue and Jewel to return to the big screen. Rio 2 came out in 2014, and since then, the franchise has gone through studio closures, corporate acquisitions, and plenty of uncertainty about whether a third film would ever happen.
Rio 3 is reportedly in development at Disney, though no official release date has been announced. Here’s what we know about the film’s status, expected cast, plot rumors, and when you might actually get to see it.
Is Rio 3 Confirmed
No official release date for Rio 3 has been announced, but the film is reportedly in development at Disney and 20th Century Studios. Most entertainment sources point to a release window somewhere between late 2025 and 2026, though nothing is confirmed until Disney makes a formal statement. The story is expected to follow Blue and Jewel through new adventures, possibly in the Amazon or involving smugglers in Miami.
Official Disney and 20th Century Studios Statements
Disney has stayed quiet about Rio 3. There’s been no press release, no official confirmation, and no public timeline from the studio. What we know comes from entertainment reporting and industry sources rather than direct announcements, which is fairly typical for animated projects still in early development.
What Entertainment News Sources Report
Several entertainment outlets have tracked Rio 3’s progress since Disney took over the franchise. The picture that emerges looks something like this:
- Development status: The film is reportedly in active development under Disney
- Original project cancelled: Blue Sky Studios had Rio 3 in early stages before closing in 2021
- New project: The current Rio 3 is a separate Disney-led production, not a continuation of what Blue Sky started
Some early reports mentioned 2024 as a possible release year, but more recent information suggests 2025 or 2026 is realistic given how long animated films take to produce.
What Happened to Blue Sky Studios and the Rio Franchise
The path to Rio 3 has been complicated. The studio that created the original films no longer exists, and the franchise changed hands during a major corporate deal. Understanding this backstory helps explain why fans have waited so long for a third movie.
Disney Acquisition of 20th Century Fox
Disney completed its acquisition of 21st Century Fox in 2019. That deal brought Blue Sky Studios under Disney’s control, along with franchises like Rio and Ice Age. At the time, many people assumed Blue Sky would keep operating as a separate animation division within Disney.
Blue Sky Studios Closure
That assumption didn’t hold. Disney announced Blue Sky’s closure in April 2021, pointing to pandemic-related economic pressures and a shift in animation strategy. The shutdown cancelled several projects in various stages of development, including what would have been the original Rio 3. Storyboard artist Lubomir Arsov later shared some early storyboards from that cancelled version on his website.
How Disney Inherited the Rio Film Series
With Blue Sky gone, all Rio franchise rights transferred to Disney. This means Disney is now the only company that can greenlight, produce, or distribute a Rio 3 movie. Any future Rio content will come through Disney’s production and distribution channels.
Rio 3 Movie Release Date Predictions
When will Rio 3 actually come out? That’s the question most fans want answered, and the honest response is that nobody outside Disney knows for certain. Still, we can piece together reasonable estimates from available information.
| Source Type | Predicted Release Window |
|---|---|
| Early reports | Late 2024 |
| Updated speculation | 2025 |
| Conservative estimates | 2026 |
Why There Is No Official Rio 3 Release Date Yet
Animated feature films typically take three to five years to produce. If Disney began serious development after acquiring the franchise, a 2025 or 2026 release would fit standard animation timelines. Studios also tend to wait until production is well underway before locking in release dates, which helps avoid delays and schedule changes.
When Will Rio 3 Come Out Based on Current Reports
Based on what entertainment outlets are reporting, the most realistic expectation is a release sometime in 2025 or 2026. Any specific date claims floating around online deserve skepticism until Disney makes an official announcement. Animation schedules can shift significantly during production, and nothing is final until the studio confirms it.
How Many Rio Movies Are There
For anyone new to the franchise or looking to catch up, here’s a quick overview of the existing films.
Rio Released in 2011
The original Rio introduced Blu, a domesticated Spix’s Macaw living in Minnesota who travels to Rio de Janeiro after learning he may be the last male of his species. Carlos Saldanha directed the film, and Jesse Eisenberg voiced Blu. The movie performed well at the box office and launched the franchise.
Rio 2 Released in 2014
The sequel followed Blu, Jewel, and their three children as they traveled to the Amazon rainforest after discovering other Spix’s Macaws might exist there. Rio 2 expanded both the cast and the setting. It’s been over a decade since this film came out, which explains why fan demand for a third installment has grown so strong.
The Cancelled Blue Sky Rio 3 Project
Blue Sky Studios had begun early development on Rio 3 before the studio closed. Some storyboards and concept work existed, but the project never moved beyond initial stages. The current Disney-led Rio 3 is a separate production that may or may not draw from that earlier work.
Who Is Making the Rio 3 Film Now
With Blue Sky gone, different teams within Disney’s structure would handle a new Rio film.
20th Century Animation Under Disney
20th Century Animation, which operates under Disney’s ownership, would likely produce Rio 3. This division already produced The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild in 2022, showing that former Blue Sky properties can continue under new production arrangements.
Will Carlos Saldanha Direct Rio 3
Carlos Saldanha directed both previous Rio films and has expressed interest in continuing the franchise. In an October 2023 interview with Brazilian news site Veja, he discussed the possibility of Rio 3. However, his official involvement in the current project remains unconfirmed.
Rio 3 Cast and Returning Voice Actors
Entertainment reports suggest the main voice cast would return for a third film, though nothing has been officially confirmed by Disney or the actors themselves.
Jesse Eisenberg and Anne Hathaway as Blue and Jewel
Jesse Eisenberg voiced Blu in both previous films, and Anne Hathaway played Jewel. Both actors are expected to reprise their roles based on industry reporting, though neither has publicly confirmed involvement.
Supporting Cast and Potential New Characters
The supporting cast from previous films would likely return as well:
- Nico and Pedro: Jamie Foxx and will.i.am voiced these fan-favorite musical birds
- Rafael: George Lopez played the toucan who befriends Blu in the original film
- New characters: Plot rumors mentioning Miami smugglers suggest new villains could appear
What Is the Expected Rio 3 Plot
Plot details remain speculative at this point. However, several possibilities have emerged from entertainment reporting:
- Amazon return: The story could continue in the Amazon setting established in Rio 2
- Miami smugglers: Some reports suggest a storyline involving bird smugglers, possibly set in Miami
- Blue and Jewel’s family: The three children introduced in Rio 2 would likely play significant roles
None of this is confirmed, and the actual plot could go in a completely different direction.
Is There a Rio 3 Trailer Yet
No Rio 3 trailer exists because the film has not been officially announced. Trailers for animated features typically arrive four to six months before theatrical release, so a trailer wouldn’t appear until Disney confirms a release date and production nears completion. For now, fans can monitor official Disney and 20th Century Studios social media channels for any announcements.
Will Rio 3 Be in Theaters or on Disney Plus
Disney uses both theatrical and streaming distribution for animated content, so Rio 3’s release strategy remains uncertain. A few possibilities exist:
- Theatrical release: More likely for a major franchise sequel with established box office history
- Disney Plus exclusive: Possible, similar to how Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild went directly to streaming
- Hybrid release: Some films receive limited theatrical runs before moving to streaming
The decision will likely depend on how Disney views the franchise’s commercial potential and where animated films fit in their broader release strategy.
Nico and Pedro Disney Plus Spin-Off Series
Reports have mentioned a spin-off series focusing on Nico and Pedro in development for Disney Plus. This project would feature the musical bird duo in their own adventures separate from the main films. Like Rio 3 itself, the spin-off’s status remains uncertain following the various production changes at Disney.
Where to Watch Rio and Rio 2 While Waiting for Rio 3
Streaming Platforms With Rio Movies
Both Rio films are typically available on Disney Plus, though streaming libraries change periodically. Digital rental and purchase options through platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play offer alternatives if the films rotate off subscription services. Checking current availability before planning a movie night is always a good idea since streaming catalogs shift regularly.
How to Follow Rio 3 News and Updates
The best sources for Rio 3 updates include official Disney social media accounts, entertainment news outlets like IMDb and Screen Rant, and dedicated fan communities on Reddit. Following entertainment coverage can help you catch announcements as they happen rather than relying on secondhand information.
What Rio 3 Means for the Future of the Rio Franchise
A successful Rio 3 could revitalize the franchise and potentially lead to additional sequels or spin-offs. The decade-long gap since Rio 2 hasn’t diminished fan interest. If anything, nostalgia has strengthened demand for more content featuring Blu, Jewel, and the rest of the cast.
Whether Disney commits to expanding the Rio universe beyond a third film will likely depend on how Rio 3 performs at the box office or on streaming platforms. For now, fans are simply waiting for confirmation that the movie is actually happening.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rio 3
Is Bruno Mars returning for Rio 3?
Bruno Mars contributed music to the Rio soundtracks but is not a voice actor in the films. There’s no confirmation about his involvement in Rio 3’s music at this point.
Is the original Rio movie available on Netflix?
Rio’s streaming availability varies by region and changes over time. As a Disney-owned property, the film is more commonly found on Disney Plus than Netflix, though availability can shift.
Will there be a Rio live action movie?
No reports indicate a live action Rio adaptation is in development. The franchise remains animated, and Rio 3 is expected to be a fully animated film like its predecessors.
Is Rio 4 already planned after Rio 3?
No official information exists about Rio 4. Disney would likely evaluate Rio 3’s performance before committing to additional sequels in the franchise.
Can I watch Rio 3 full movie in English online?
Rio 3 has not been released, so no legitimate viewing options exist. Any sites claiming to offer the film are unofficial and potentially harmful to your device.
