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Actor Jason Lee (C) voice talent for character 'Syndrome' poses with lifesize characters (L-R) Frozone, Elastigirl, and Mr. Incredible, from the new Pixar Animation Studios film "The Incredibles," as they strike a superhero pose for photographers at the film's premiere, in Hollywood, October 24, 2004. Reuters/Fred Prouser

It may be hard to believe, but it’s been 12 years since Pixar released the hit animated superhero movie “The Incredibles.” Fans have been clamouring for a sequel, and though looks like they still have to wait three more years, at least it’s slowly shaping up.

“The Incredibles” followed the story of a family of superheroes who were forced to go undercover and live normal lives after the “Supers” gained a notorious reputation among the public. Those who saw the film fell in love with the characters Mr Incredible (Craig T Nelson) and his wife Elastigirl (Holly Hunter), as well as their kids Violet (Sarah Vowell), Dash (Spencer Fox) and Jack-Jack. A fan-turned-villain forced the family to battle Syndrome, voiced by Jason Lee. Samuel L Jackson was also among “The Incredibles” cast, lending his voice to Frozone, Mr Incredible’s best friend.

Now, the film’s director Brad Bird is sharing bits of information about the much-awaited sequel. “I don't like unwrapping presents before Christmas,” he told Entertainment Weekly. He shared, however, that production is on schedule for a 2019 release. “It's very actively moving, and we're excited about it. [We're] trying to take it in some new directions.”

Despite this development, the movie will still feel familiar to fans of the first installment, according to Bird. The director, who lent his voice of “The Incredibles” super-hero costumier Edna Mode, will also write and direct the sequel. “Hopefully it's the same characters and feel, but going in a new direction. I mean, that's the trick with a sequel. It's repeating yourself, without repeating yourself.”

“The Incredibles” was considered a box office success, and was deemed the fifth highest-grossing Pixar film after earning more than $631 million worldwide. It also won an Oscar for Best Animated Feature at the 77th Academy Awards.

“The Incredibles 2” is scheduled to hit theatres in June 2019. Stay tuned for updates.