Luca 2

Luca 2 is an upcoming animated Disney/Pixar film that is a sequel to the 2021 Pixar film Luca. It is set one year after the events of the first film. It stars some of the original cast from the first film reprising their roles; including Jacob Tremblay, Jack Dylan Grazer, and Emma Berman. It will be released on June 27, 2023.

Synopsis
It has been a year since the events of Luca, and our underdogs have returned. Giulia's mother is visiting Portorosso to meet Alberto, her stepson, and Luca's parents. But when Massimo is around, chaos ensues. Now it is up to Luca to help Giulia reunite her parents; and find out why they divorced. And as an old friend from the United States teaches our heroes more about the world and helps them learn new things, they will find out family is important as they try to rescue one.

Plot
It is 1969, one year after the events of Luca. In the night sky, a plane piloted by Roger, an old American friend of Giulia Marcovaldo is heading back to Portorosso after his last visit five years ago. He calculates how far away he is and how many days it's going to take to get there. He looks at a picture of Giulia when she was young. He tells her that he will get there soon, kisses her, and bids her good night.

Several miles away, in Genoa, school has let out. Luca Paguro and Giulia are preparing to head back to Portorosso for the summer. They head to the train station where Giulia's mother, Lisa, kisses her daughter and tells them that she will be visiting Portorosso this summer to meet Luca's friend, Alberto Scorfano (who is her stepson), and Luca's parents hoping to get to know them. She waves goodbye to Luca and Giulia as they board the train. The train leaves and heads on its way to Portorosso. Onboard, Luca and Giulia look back at Genoa. Luca tells her that he had a wonderful time seeing more of the world. He tells her that this summer would be better than the last and it will be amazing to be back with Alberto since he missed him so much. Giulia agrees and tells him that they will make the best of it.

Meanwhile, at the train station in Portorosso, Alberto, Luca's family, and Giulia's father, Massimo wait for them to arrive. After a couple of hours, Alberto gets bored, and tells them it might take forever. Massimo tells him that they will come sooner or later. A couple of minutes, Alberto notices something in the distance. In the tunnel, lights are seen. The train arrives and slows to a stop at the station, as Alberto cheers. Luca and Giulia come out of the train. Luca notices Alberto and they run to each other. They hug. Alberto tells Luca he missed him and asks him to tell him everything. They all head back to Giulia's home. At the house, Luca notices some new things. Alberto tells him that he added some touches to the treehouse. He added some blankets and placed some lanterns. He also shows him a Vespa that he got through chore money. Luca says that is awesome and that they should go around town on it some time.

That night, Luca and his family and friends have dinner at Giulia's place. They talk about what will be happening this summer such as the Portorosso Cup and the fact that Luca's birthday is coming up. He will be turning 14. Then Giulia mentions that her mother will be coming to Portorosso to meet Alberto and Luca's parents. Suddenly, Massimo excuses himself and runs off. Luca asks Giulia what just happened. She tells him that they have been divorced since she was little. He asks her if they considered to be married again. She tells him that they haven't due to something that happened several years ago that caused them to divorce. He tells her that it may happen someday and that they will put aside the past and look forward to the future.

Over the next couple of days, they have several adventures including a couple of excursions to Isola Del Mare, where Alberto lived for several years; and underwater visiting Luca's home. They even go out on Alberto's Vespa cruising around town. Several days later, as they have some fun, Luca suddenly hears something. It is the sound of an engine of a plane. Giulia says that's not just any plane. Suddenly, a plane emerges out of the mountains behind Portorosso. It flies over the town leaving colored smoke in the style of the Italian flag behind. The whole town notices the fly-by and cheer. The plane flies high leaving smoke writing the words "Ciao, Portorosso! I'm Back!!" Luca is puzzled by this and asks Giulia what is happening. She tells him it is one of his greetings. Luca asks who. She tells him he'll know soon enough. The plane makes some loops and lands on the water. The town raises the Italian flag as the pilot of the plane comes out. The Italian national anthem plays. Luca, knowing the words to the anthem, sings. Once he finishes, the town applauds. The pilot takes off his helmet and scarf. It is Roger. He speaks to the town saying he is back and notices changes in the town such as the fountain. The fountain is changed from a fisherman grasping a sea monster by the throat, to the statues of Luca and Alberto both human from the waist up and sea monster from the waist down. He is surprised by the changes; knowing that he hoped the town would change. He announces that soon enough the Americans will put a man on the moon; expected to happen in a month or two. The town cheers, and then heads back to their business. Roger then notices Giulia and they run to each other and hug. Roger looks at her saying that it is so good to see her again. He tells her that she is just like her mother and that she has her mother's hair color and her eyes. He sees Massimo and they hug. He also notices some new faces. He introduces himself to Luca and Alberto, saying his name is Roger Patterson. Luca introduces himself. Roger tells him that is a pleasure to meet him and calls him "hermit crab"(since Luca's last name, Paguro, is Italian for "hermit crab"). He meets Alberto and suddenly he notices something. He pulls out a picture of Alberto's family, the Scorfano's. He notices the boy in the photo and his hair. He asks him if he is Alberto Scorfano. Alberto replies he is. Roger then shakes his hand and says it is wonderful to meet him at last. Alberto asks him what he is talking about. He tells him that he knew his father and he was close friends with him. He asks him where he is. Alberto tells him he left two years ago. He tells him that he knew his father would leave. He tells him that they should enter the house and talk about it. They all go into the house.

In the house, he tells Alberto his mother left for Sicily several years ago, and his father planned to go there and be with her. He wanted Alberto to come with him. But the love for his wife got the best of him. And so he left. Roger tells him that his father wrote to him a year ago saying they were in Sicily having the best time ever. He wrote that he and Alberto's mother planned to head back to Portorosso as soon as possible; and Roger never got another letter from him. Alberto tells him that he hopes they come home soon, because he misses them so bad and that he still has his stepfather, Massimo to take care of him. Roger is grateful that he has somebody to take care of Alberto while his parents are away. During the evening, they talk about what happened during the past several years. Luca tells Roger about his adventures from the previous year; about how he met Alberto, learned more about the world, how he won the Portorosso Cup with the help of his friends, how the town changed its perspective of sea monsters and the journey to the school in Genoa. Roger is stunned that they won the Portorosso Cup, which the town bully Ercole Visconti won 5 years in a row. He tells them about how when he was a young boy, he was a kind-tender, loving soul. During one of his visits, he asked Ercole what he wanted to be in life. He told Roger he wanted to be a professional wrestler and boxer. But over the years, he became reckless, mean, and a big bragger. Roger guessed it was probably due to his mean and psychotic uncle Rico. Ever since his last visit, he had suspicions about Ercole and wondered if he would change. They stop talking and retire to bed.

The next day, Roger invites Luca, Alberto, and Giulia to his place. They arrive at his place which also has a restaurant section named Casa del Roger. He tells them that this place was very popular and he opened it when he was around. He shows them to a table where Giulia and Massimo sat all the time. They sit down and Roger goes in the back and makes 3 bowls of a dish which is very popular and titled Giulia's Macaroni And Cheese Salad named in her honor. He serves it to them and tells them that every time he visited Portorosso, he always gave Massimo and Giulia several boxes of mac and cheese from America. Luca eats it, and says it is really good, and tells him he's a wonderful cook. Roger thanks him. After they are done eating, he shows them around the house. He takes them to a room considered to be a private theater. In there, he shows them The Love Bug (which he was given a reel just before it comes out in theaters), and a copy of the 1925 silent film The Lost World. Luca is fascinated by these films; and dreams of the adventures in both films, such as coming face to face with dinosaurs.

They head back to Giulia's home and at the front door is Lisa, Giulia's mother. Lisa and Giulia hug each other. She finally gets to meet her stepson, Alberto. They all go into the house and as they get in, Massimo notices and stares at her, then leaves. Alberto tells his stepmother what is going on, and she tells him that now is not the time. Luca suddenly realizes to himself, that it is their divorce and they are not seeing each other. He keeps it to himself. That night, Lisa and Massimo have dinner at different times hoping to avoid each other. While looking at the stars, Luca wonders if they will ever come back together and hopes that they do.

The next day, Luca is showing Lisa around town. She points out her old childhood home along the way. They take a look at it. She starts talking and remiscencing about her past, telling him about when she was her age, she always thought if there was life besides marine life. Apparently, she was right. Sea monsters did exist; and they had a different point of view on humans. They head back. Along the way, they notice Ercole going by on his Vespa. Suddenly he stops. He comes over to Luca. He tells him that he still has his doubts about him. Lisa then protects him telling him that Luca is a wonderful boy; and that no matter what he is, he will still be loved by his friends and family. Ercole scoffs, telling her they'll see. He leaves.

A couple of days later, everybody is celebrating Luca's birthday. His family is so proud of him. Alberto grabs a cup of grape juice and offers a toast to him, saying that he would be nowhere if it weren't for him. They toast him. Then it's on to birthday presents. Giulia and Lisa give him a painting set. He thanks them saying he loves it. Then Alberto and Massimo give him theirs. They head outside. Right in front of the house, Alberto tells him to close his eyes and he guides him. He tells him to open them. He looks and it is a Vespa. He thanks them both. Alberto tells him that he and Massimo had enough money to buy it for him from fishing sales. He walks to it and gets on it. Roger pulls out a camera and takes a picture of him on it. Then it is time for Roger and his family to give him their presents. Roger tells him to shut his eyes again. He leads him telling him that he and his parents gave him this one. He tells him to open them. Luca is surprised. He asks him what it is. He tells Luca it is a BMW Isetta. He tells him that 2 years from now he will be 16. Around that time, most people in America get their driver's license. He decided to get it for him since he watched The Love Bug and enjoyed seeing Herbie. His parents agreed with him saying that he could take it out on errands for his family. He gives him the keys and tells him there are three; one for the door, one for access to the engine, and one for the ignition. He labeled them. He shows him how to open the door. Luca enters inside the automobile and closes the door. He opens the window, holding his hand on the steering wheel and with his head sticking out the window. Roger takes a picture of him. He tells him that he can teach him how to drive the Isetta. He enters the automobile and sits next to him. He hands a satchel that his father had in the Second World War. The initials on the bag read L.P. He tells him that his father's name was Lewis Patterson. Now it belongs to Luca; since he shares the same initials. He tells him that everything he needs is inside. He looks inside the satchel and finds a newsboy cap. Roger tells him that hat was in his family for 3 generations and that he is passing it onto him. Luca puts it on. Roger says that he is looking sharp in that cap. He shows what else is in the satchel including books for school, binoculars, a wallet, a journal and other things. He puts the stuff back in the satchel.

Luca is ready to learn how to drive the Isetta. Roger shows him where the ignition is. He turns it on. He shows him a switch in the back which is the fuel valve which is on and that it needs to turned off when he is not using it, on when he is, and reserve when he is out of gas, so that he can get to the nearest gas station. He shows him how to shift and the parking brake. He shows him where the brake and the accelerator is. Soon enough, Luca learns pretty fast and gets better at driving it. Roger is impressed and says he is a fast learner. He tells him that he learned about as fast as Giulia when he taught her. Luca tells him that he didn't know that Giulia learned how to drive one of these things. Roger tells him that he taught her somewhere during his last visit. He tells him that Giulia was amazed by his Isetta collection and she wanted to know how to drive one of them. So Roger taught her and she learned pretty fast. She became really good at it. Afterwards, he talked to Massimo if she could have one. And he told him that he enjoyed her on a bicycle. So she didn't get one. But she told Roger she wanted to get a Fiat 500 so that when her parents got back together again, she would take them out and chauffeur them on their honeymoon. Apparently, they never got back together, and they are still divorced. Luca also finds out that Alberto has an apprenticeship as a mechanic for Mr. Santorini. So he will be Luca's mechanic to work on the Isetta and the Vespa. He learns some facts about the Isetta, such as the fact that the engine is that of a motorcycle. They head back to the house, he parks the Isetta right in front of the house. They get out. He thanks Roger and his family for the gifts.

The next day, Luca is doing some errands for his family such as getting fish for dinner. As he is heading back home, Giulia visits him and tells him that she wants to have a conversation. He agrees. He brings her inside the Isetta. She tells him that she wants her parents back together so bad. She can't do it alone, so she tells him to help her get them back. He agrees to this, saying that Massimo and Lisa are his friends and he would be willing to do anything for them. She tells him that what they are going to do is to recreate their first date and that it will be Saturday night. They plan to do it as soon as possible.

That Saturday night, they secretly send messages to both Massimo and Lisa to head to the Ristorante di Fiori for dinner at Table 28. They head to the restaurant and when they check in, they don't realize that they are at the same table. They sit down, and both Lisa and Massimo are surprised to see each other. After a few minutes, they start talking. They tell each other about what happened over the years. Lisa talks about her life in Genoa. She enjoyed it there after they divorced. Massimo tells her about fishing and how he is holding up. She tells him why she even bothered to visit with Massimo around. She tells him that it was really difficult to take care of the family. She struggled with taking care of the house while he was out fishing to help the family have a place to live and to pay taxes. She struggled under the pressures of being a housewife. He tells her that she didn't ask him if she needed someone to help her. She tells him that she could do it on her own. He says to her that she did need someone, but she didn't say anything. She tells her that was the reason she divorced. She was afraid to tell him. She leaves. He calls to her to come back and they can talk this over. She scoffs, saying that would likely happen. He sighs. In the distance, Luca and Giulia were listening to their conversation. He is shocked by the revelation that was the reason they divorced. She tells him that she was around and she could've helped. She doesn't know what to do, and says that they would have to call off the plan and it would take a long time in order to get her parents back together. He tells her that he will let her know when an opportunity rises. She agrees. They head home.

A couple days later, Alberto is going around on his Vespa with Luca. Suddenly, he notices someone. It is a girl with long black hair, blue eyes, and a yellow dress. She turns around and notices him. They stare at each other. He starts to lose his grip, and begins to faint. He falls off. She runs over to him, surprised. She picks him up. He wakes up. He is startled by her appearance. Luca asks him what is going on. He tells him that he has seen her a couple of times but never got a chance to meet her. She introduces herself as Florence Castiglione. She tells him that she is a close friend of Giulia; and they have been friends since they were very young. He tells her that her name, Florence, is a wonderful name. They fall in love and he asks if she wants to have some gelato and invites her on the Vespa. Luca smiles, knowing that his friend now has a love interest. He tells him that he can go off and he'll see him later. Alberto takes off with Florence on the Vespa. He takes her around town. They stop at a gelato place. He orders 2 cups of gelato. They sit down at a table. He starts talking to her. He tells her about Massimo and how he enjoys helping him out. She tells her that he is a great guy and that he is lucky to have him. They talk to each other about their interests and spend some time looking out over the water. He shows her, pointing at Isola del Mare, where he grew up. He tells her about his parents and that they left him a couple of years ago. She tells him that it would be nice to head over to the island. He tells her that he can arrange that. They head back to his place.

That night, Roger invites Luca and his family and friends to spend the night at his place. They have dinner. During dinner, Alberto tells them about Florence, saying that she is a wonderful girl and they have been hanging out. Giulia tells him that it is good that he now has someone he likes. Roger agrees and tells him that not only a way to a woman's heart is through her stomach, but through dancing. He tells him that he can teach him some classic Italian dances such as the tarantella. He puts on some Frank Sinatra and helps him know how to dance. Luca and Giulia dance as well, and do some incredible moves that Luca was taught while in Genoa. She tells him that the song that is playing, "Fly Me to The Moon", is one of her favorites. He tells her that he didn't know that. They continue to dance as Florence and Alberto dance as well. Once the song is finished, their families applaud them.

They head up to bed. Roger tells them that he'll be up there. He brings Luca, Alberto, Giulia, and Florence up to the balcony on the roof. They sit up there and watch the stars. Alberto is fascinated by the stars and remembers what happened last year and recalls that he thought they were anchovies. Roger finds it amusing. He tells him that he is still learning. He tells them that his father once went to Africa and a guide told him that the great rulers of the past look down at us from those stars, and they will be there to help guide you. Luca says that is awesome and tells him that his father must have been amazing. He tells him that he was. Roger's father served in the Second World War. He and his platoon landed in Portorosso after a slight mishap in Genoa. He was worn out and Massimo took care of him providing his hospitality to him and three of his friends. He helped his father with providing food, and other provisions. After the war, his father always visited the town. He later introduced his son to the people of the town, and several years later, Roger visited several times and met Massimo's daughter Giulia, and the both of them became close friends. Luca tells him that his parents during the war heard the roaring of planes, gunfire, and even the sounds of boats. Roger tells him that those were the days. He tells him that it is getting late. They leave the balcony and head to bed.

In the middle of the night, Florence wakes up and leaves out of the house. She walks a bit until she reaches a house. Then, she hears the sounds of silent tears. She moves to a basement window. Suddenly, she notices two people, a man and a woman. Their faces are almost recognizable. She pulls out from her pocket a photo of two people that Roger took several years ago. She then looks at their faces. She suddenly realizes who the two people that are being held hostage are. They are Alberto's parents. Then a light turns on, and she runs off in the distance. She hides behind a tree. In the basement of the house, a man in his 40s with a big curly beard and messy hair comes to the prisoners. He speaks to them telling them that they should be quiet. He calls them sea monster scum. He smacks them, and warns them that if they escape, they would have to go through him. He is Rico Visconti, Ercole's short-tempered and mean uncle. Rico heads back upstairs and locks the basement door. Florence has overheard him. She tells herself that she must tell Roger, and that it would be best to keep it a secret from Alberto, until the time is right. She heads back to Roger's home. She heads into Roger's bedroom and wakes him up. She tells him about what she saw and he agrees that they should keep it a secret from the others until they decide to tell them.

The next day, Luca is visiting Mr Santorini's shop to see Alberto. He goes into the shop and sees him working on a Vespa. He calls to him. He notices Luca and tells him it is nice to see him at work. He tells him that he is working on his scooter, improving some features on it and adding some extra things. Luca tells him that it is incredible. He is proud that he has two jobs; fishing and mechanic. Alberto asks him how it is going with reuniting Giulia's parents. He tells him that they are still trying to find the right time to do another attempt. Alberto encourages him, telling him that it will come sooner or later. He tells him to stop by any time, just in case, if there is something wrong with the Isetta or his scooter. Luca leaves the shop and gets into his automobile and drives off into town. He goes around town listening to the theme from The Love Bug, waving hello to Ciccio and Guido, and finally stops at a gelato stand in the middle of town. He gets out and buys a gelato. He climbs into his car and eats his gelato. Suddenly, Ercole notices him in his Isetta, and walks over. He tells him that he is going to get him at last. Luca tells him that he doesn't think so, after what he pulled last year. He tells him that there is no one here to protect him right now. Suddenly, he reaches into the window and tries to grab Luca. He protects himself by closing the window causing Ercole to wince in pain. Luca starts the Isetta and drives off, escaping him. Ercole then chases after him on his Vespa. He chases after him as Luca tries his very best to get away. They go out to the outskirts of town where Luca gives it everything he has got. He leaves dust encircling Ercole blocking his view of him. As the dust settles, Ercole shouts at him that he will get him even if he is a sea monster. He sighs and leaves.

Cast
Jacob Tremblay as Luca Paguro

Jack Dylan Grazer as Alberto Scorfano

Emma Berman as Giulia Marcovaldo

Maya Rudolph as Daniela Paguro

Jim Gaffigan as Lorenzo Paguro

Marco Barricelli as Massimo Marcovaldo

Katherine Waterston as Lisa Marcovaldo (Giulia's mother)

Saverio Raimondo as Ercole Visconti

Sandy Martin as Grandma Paguro

John Goodman as Grandpa Paguro

Peter Sohn as Ciccio

Lorenzo Crisci as Guido

Noah Schnapp as Roger Patterson

Don Novello as Mr. Santorini

Ava Justin as Florence Castiglione

Kyle Chandler as Leonardo Scorfano (Alberto's father)

Lisa Kudrow as Somilia Scorfano (Alberto's mother)

Johnny Depp as Rico Visconti (Ercole's uncle)

Production
After the release of Luca, director Enrico Casarosa expressed interest in a sequel. It would be similar to The Parent Trap, which would center upon Luca and Giulia's attempt to reunite Massimo and his wife. Shortly after the film's release, Disney+ sent a survey to subscribers asking about their opinion of the movie and asked "how likely would each household member [want] to watch another movie involving the characters and world of Luca if it became available," implying that the studio was considering producing a sequel at some point. At the D23 Expo 2022, Casarosa announced Luca 2, a sequel to the first film. Casarosa worked with Jesse Andrews and Simon Stephenson on the story. Well known producer Thomas Jones was invited to help with the story after he sent concept art and story ideas to Casarosa. Around September 2022, they started working on the film. They cast the original cast to reprise their roles from the first film. Recording of the voices of the characters ended in January. Post-production ended in mid-February. On February 3, 2023, actress Ava Justin tweeted about the film saying that she was contacted by Disney to play an unknown role in the film. On March 23, Casarosa tweeted a picture of Luca right next to his BMW Isetta which appeared in the trailer and the film. In April, Casarosa revealed that the film would take place in 1969, exactly one year after the events of the first film.

Marketing
At Super Bowl LVII, a teaser trailer for the film was released. On March 17, 2023, the cast of the film was announced along with the official trailer which reached 47 million views on YouTube in one day. The film was revealed to be released on Disney+ as an original film and in theaters June 27. On May 14, the final trailer was released. On June 12, GEICO released 2 commercials to promote the film. One featured the gecko talking to Luca about how 15 minutes could save him 15% or more on insurance such as boat, home, RV, and even motorcycle insurance. The other featured Luca's mother daydreaming about riding on a Vespa while listening to "Build Me Up Buttercup" by the Foundations. BMW helped promote the film by offering a free subscription to Disney+, if they buy a BMW. McDonald's also promoted the film with toys in a Happy Meal to collect all of them. In mid-June, Mattel released toys based on the film and Walt Disney World was celebrating the film's release by decorating Epcot in Italian decor. At several car auctions in the country, they offered people who won a bid on a BMW, free tickets to see the film. Vespa promoted the film with special edition scooters with the characters painted on them. Only 20,000 were made.

Soundtrack
The soundtrack for the movie is composed by Christophe Beck who composed several films including The Peanuts Movie and The Pink Panther replacing Dan Romer who composed the soundtrack from the first film.

Songs

 * "My Baby Just Cares For Me" by Ted Weems and His Orchestra, sung by Art Jarrett
 * Il Canto Degli Italiani (The Song of the Italians) Italian National Anthem)) written by Goffredo Mameli, set to music by Michele Novaro
 * Theme Song from The Love Bug written by George Bruns
 * Over The Mountain Across The Sea by Bobby Vinton
 * Fly Me to The Moon by Frank Sinatra
 * That's Amore by Dean Martin

Trivia

 * The Isetta that Luca drives is a light blue 1957 BMW Isetta 300.
 * Don Novello does Mr. Santorini. His character's name is a reference to a character he played in Disney's Atlantis: The Lost Empire: Vincent Santorini, a demolitions expert.
 * Although Enrico Casarosa revealed that Luca's birthday is November 20th, they set his birthday in the summer around June to make the story more interesting.
 * In the film, Roger nicknames Luca "hermit crab"; this is because Luca's last name, Paguro, means hermit crab in Italian.
 * During the dinner scene, before the dance, Roger serves ratatouille for Luca, this is a reference to another Pixar film Ratatouille. Luca also says a quote that was said by Linguini in the film commenting on the name of the dish.
 * A reference to The Lion King is made by Roger; speaking about Africa, and says the line said by Mufasa about "the great kings of the past".