After crossing $300 million domestic and $400 million worldwide earlier today, Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment have announced that a sequel toThe Secret Life of Petsis happening. The studio revealed thatThe Secret Life of Pets 2will take the previously unspecified July 13, 2018release dateset by Illumination Entertainment. As of now, the project doesn’t have any direct competition, but it is situated right between Marvel’sAnt-Man and the Wasp(June 17, 2025) and 20th Century Fox’sAlita: Battle Angel(August 05, 2025).
Varietyreports that originalSecret Life of PetsdirectorChris Renaudand writerBrian Lynchwill return for the sequel, which will be produced by Illumination’s founder/CEOChristopher Meledandriand his longtime producing partnerJanet Healy. It isn’t known ifChris Renaud’s co-directorYarrow CheneyorBrian Lynch’s co-writersCinco PaulandKen Dauriowill return.
The Secret Life of Petsset a newbox officerecord last month with its opening weekend of $104.3 million, the highest ever for an original movie, either in live action or animation. It has currently earned $300.3 million domestically and $103.5 million internationally for a global total of $403.8 million, from a $75 million budget. The animated comedy has opened as the #1 movie in 18 international markets, and it will open in 48 additional foreign markets today, including the all-important Chinese market.
Thevoice castforThe Secret Life of PetsincludesLouis C.K.,Eric Stonestreet,Kevin Hart,Steve Coogan,Ellie Kemper,Bobby Moynihan,Lake Bell,Dana Carvey,Hannibal Buress,Jenny SlateandAlbert Brooks, but it hasn’t been confirmed it they will all return or not. The story takes place in one bustling Manhattan apartment building, where the real day starts after the folks on two legs leave for work and school. That’s when the pets of every stripe, fur, and feather begin their own nine-to-five routine: hanging out with each other, trading humiliating stories about their owners or auditioning adorable looks to get better snacks.
The building’s top dog, Max (voiced byLouis C.K.) is a quick-witted terrier rescue who’s convinced he sits at the center of his owner’s universe, only to find his pampered life rocked when she brings home Duke (Eric Stonestreet), a sloppy, massive mess of a mongrel with zero interpersonal skills. When this reluctant canine duo find themselves out on the mean streets of New York, they have to set aside their differences and unite against a fluffy-yet cunning bunny named Snowball (Kevin Hart), who’s building an army of ex-pets abandoned by their owners and out how to turn the tables on humanity…All before dinner time. Stay tuned for more onThe Secret Life of Pets 2as soon as more updates come in.
