Universal Sets Date For 'Secret Life Of Pets' Sequel, As Original Continues Box Office Climb

With animated films "Finding Dory" (produced by Walt Disney Co (NYSE: DIS)) and "Secret Life of Pets" (produced by Universal, Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA)) dominating the summer, it should come as no surprise their distributors are looking to capitalize on the success. For Comcast/Universal, that means greenlighting a sequel.

Related Link: Comcast/Universal's "Secret Life Of Pets" Grosses Much Better-Than-Expected $130 Million Domestically

It was revealed on Tuesday that "Secret Life of Pets 2" will strut into theaters in 2018 with a similar mid-July release date (July 13). The first movie, which set a box office record for the highest earnings by a original (i.e., non-sequel) feature, just crossed the $400 million mark worldwide and will start a heavy international run this week, including an opening in China.

Director Chris Renaud will helm the sequel, and Brian Lynch will again write the script. No word yet on which cast members will return, but it is expected the ensemble of Kevin Hart, Louis C.K. and Eric Stonestreet will stay intact.

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