Disneyhas long dominated when it comes to animated films, and afteracquiringMarvel Studios, it had great success with the MCU. Yet those two divisions are separate, with one notable exception. Based on a Marvel comic,Big Hero 6unites the two as it tells a heartwarming story of family, grief, and healing. After the tragic death of his brother, the teen genius Hiro Hamada (Ryan Potter) is out for revenge. With the help of the lovable medical robot Baymax (Scott Adsit), a few friends, and their inventions, the team faces the man who killed Hiro’s brother.This emotional story was popular at its release and has retained fans, but despite rumors, it never received a sequel.
Nearly 10 years afterBig Hero 6came out, there is still no official news aboutBig Hero 6 2 (Big Hero 7?). In that time,FrozenandWreck-It Ralph, both released only a few years beforeBig Hero 6,had theatrical sequels, andFrozenhas a third film in the works.Big Hero 6’s lack of a follow-up film is shocking, considering the potential success of the endeavor. However, the characters have returned. The film received two spin-offs,Big Hero 6: The Seriesand, more recently,theBaymax!miniseries. Considering the rumors of aBig Hero 6sequel were vague at best, this could be the continuation that was alluded to, yet that doesn’t stop speculation about another installment coming to the big screen.
Big Hero 6
A special bond develops between plus-sized inflatable robot Baymax and prodigy Hiro Hamada, who together team up with a group of friends to form a band of high-tech heroes.
Despite Leaving the Door Open To Return, a ‘Big Hero 6’ Sequel Never Happened
Like any popular movie, afterBig Hero 6premiered, everyone wanted to know what came next for the characters. The concept is full of potential. With Hiro, Honey Lemon (Genesis Rodriguez), Go Go (Jamie Chung), Wasabi (Damon Wayans Jr.), Fred (T.J. Miller), and Baymax working as heroes, there’s no end to the challenges they could take on. And their double life as students at a top school only amplifies the possibilities.Though the film had a satisfying ending, it left the door open to more, and fans expected Disney to continue the story. Like many superhero films,Big Hero 6is loosely adapted from comics with multiple stories already existing. Though the film made some significant changes, there is more to do with these characters.
AfterBig Hero 6’s release, there were several hints that morewould come, though an official announcement of a sequel never happened. In 2015, rumors of a sequel were widespread, with comments from cast members that seemed to confirm it. Around this time,Rodriguez responded to a question about a sequel by telling MTV, “There’s nothing definitive. There’s talks of something happening.“This proves that the rumors were more than the wishful thinking of fans. Rodriguez’s statement was soon followed bya comment from famed comic book writerStan Lee, who had a brief cameo inBig Hero 6’s post-credits scene. While discussing Marvel’s plans for new films, Lee claimed that they would “have to come back for” several follow-up films, which have all happened, exceptBig Hero 6.
The Big Hero 6 Franchise Expanded With a TV Series and Disney+ Miniseries
Though a sequel has never been made, the story doesn’t end with the film.Big Hero 6has since had a TV series on Disney Channel and a Disney+ miniseries.Big Hero 6: The Seriesbegan in 2017 and had three seasons. Though it looked different from the film, with its traditional hand-drawn animation, most of the voice cast returned to bring the characters to life again. The series focuses on the team in the time following the film as they attend the San Fransokyo Institute of Technology and protect the city as superheroes. Meanwhile,the miniseriesBaymax!centers on the robot as he does what he was always meant to do: help people. Created to provide care to the sick and injured, Baymax spends much of the film focused only on Hiro,but the series shows him with other patients as Baymax fulfills his purpose.
The sequel rumors were always vague, and one or both of these series could have been the source. Though this isn’t the most common follow-up to a successful movie,Disney has done it before. These series continue the team’s journey and further develop the characters. But they don’t mean there’s no chance of a second film. The spin-offs prove that the fans and cast are interested in continuing the story, meaning there is always hope.
‘Big Hero 6’ Deserves a Theatrical Sequel
Though maintaining a TV franchise is no small accomplishment,Big Hero 6should get a sequel film. Yet, if it were ever to happen at this point, it would be well after the original. Released in 2014,Big Hero 6has waited for almost a decade, and there is still no news of one. After completing his filmStrange World,co-directorDon Hallsaid, “There’s been no discussions” regarding anotherBig Hero 6movie, understandable as other projects have kept him busy. Buta lack of discussion doesn’t mean it could never happen, especially if the characters remain popular.
With a phenomenal story and plenty of popularity, the film has earned a sequel. If the two series and massive Baymax-led merchandise campaign weren’t enough,the popularity of the original can be proven with theupcoming addition of San Fransokyo to Disneyland’s California Adventure. Few Disney properties get more than a single ride in the parks, and many don’t even get that, so this addition is notable. But there is so much more to the film than its popularity. The premise shows the wonders of science through the characters' many inventions, encouraging kids to nurture interest in the vital subject. Even more significantly,Big Hero 6handles its diversity well, which is often lacking in such films.Big Hero 6earned every ounce of success it received, and though having multiple spin-off series is impressive, the film deserves another installment.
Big Hero 6is available for streaming exclusively on Disney+ in the U.S.
