Frozen 3 Cast, Development Details And More
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Think of the greatest animated movies ever made, and many of the titles that come to mind will be Disney films. The House of Mouse has crafted some true classics, like "Pinocchio," "The Lion King," and "Beauty and the Beast." In 2013, the company worked their magic again with "Frozen," adding a new movie to the classic pantheon.
Telling the story of two sisters set in a wintry world of ice powers, rock trolls, and talking snowmen, the first "Frozen" was a major hit, making "Let It Go" a permanent part of the pop culture landscape. Disney followed up the first film with "Frozen 2" in 2019, which focuses on sisters Elsa and Anna as they set out into a mystical forest to learn more about Elsa's powers.
But will there be another installment of the "Frozen" saga? Will we find out what happens next in the world of Arendelle? As it turns out, yes, we will indeed be seeing a "Frozen 3." Here's everything we know so far about the upcoming Disney film.
When will Frozen 3 be released?
During Disney's Q1 earnings call in February 2023, CEO Bob Iger had a bad news-good news announcement to make. The bad news? 7,000 jobs were getting cut from the company. The good news? The studio was planning on releasing sequels for three of its most popular films: "Zootopia," "Toy Story," and, as you've probably guessed, "Frozen." So when will we return to the snowy world of talking snowmen and lovable reindeer? Well, in February 2024, the House of Mouse revealed that "Frozen 3" would hit the big screen sometime in 2026. We also know that Disney plans on releasing an animated movie on November 25, 2026, and we're willing to bet that's when Elsa and Anna will be singing heartwarming ballads in the icy snow yet again.
What is the plot of Frozen 3?
Disney hasn't released substantive details about the plot of "Frozen 3." But we can probably assume the third entry in the series will address the overarching themes already laid out, push the ongoing story forward, and eventually resolve all lingering questions.
"Frozen" and "Frozen 2" are all about magic. In the first movie, Elsa comes to terms with her powerful gifts. In the second movie, she discovers their source. This sets "Frozen 3" up to expand on her magical world. Notably, "Frozen: Forces of Nature," an in-the-works narrative podcast series bridging the gap between "Frozen 2" and "Frozen 3," will follow Anna as she discovers enigmatic machines in the Enchanted Forest and tangles with new characters Queen Disa and Lord Wolfgang. "Frozen 3" could explore how Elsa chooses to use her powers in such an increasingly complex context. Or, the writers could go in another direction and address the heretofore magic-free Anna.
Jennifer Lee, who co-directed the first two "Frozen" movies, has revealed a tantalizing glimpse into the threequel. "Where we're going with 'Frozen' did not come from me," Lee told TheWrap. "It came from an incredible person ... And I've been blown away by it and I'm just having a blast with that team." Months later, when asked about "Frozen 3," Lee told ComicBook.com, "The only thing I can say is Bob [Iger] has announced there's more 'Frozen.' And I'll say what we are working on, I am very, very, very excited about."
Who is starring in Frozen 3?
At the moment, we know for sure that two "Frozen" favorites are returning for the threequel. First up, there's Josh Gad, who voices Olaf. Everybody's favorite snowman was pretty psyched after "Frozen 3" was announced. In fact, shortly after Bob Iger said the movie was in the works, Gad took to Twitter, shared a gif of Elsa using her powers, and wrote, "Excited to head back ... into the Unknown."
Second, Idina Menzel will be reprising the role of the iconic snow queen, Elsa. Menzel has been talking about a third film for a while now, telling People in December 2022, "I would love ['Frozen 3'] because I love the character and the legacy of it, and I'd love to keep speaking to generation after generation." Then a few months later, the Broadway singer turned Hollywood star spoke with Billboard and confirmed her return to the franchise. When asked what she knew about the movie, Menzel replied, "I don't know a lot. To be completely honest, they teased it to us, and I have no idea. They don't show you a script. ... All I know is, yeah, we are gonna make one, and that's it. So, I'm like, 'Cool, I will be able to pay my bills."
As for the rest of the cast, we feel pretty confident that regulars Kristen Bell and Jonathan Groff will be coming back. After all, in June 2022, Bell confirmed as much on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," telling the titular talk show host, "I feel like if we're all in ... what are we waiting for?"
Who is directing Frozen 3?
Both "Frozen" and "Frozen 2" were directed by the powerhouse duo of Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee. Buck is a longtime Disney luminary, having worked on everything from "Tarzan" to "Pocahontas" in a wide variety of roles. Lee currently serves as Disney's chief creative officer, and has a number of screenwriting and production credits to her name, though the "Frozen" films mark her only directorial outings. Together, Buck and Lee created an animated franchise of generation-defining proportions and changed the field forever.
It's surprising, then, to learn that this dynamic duo won't be reuniting for "Frozen 3." According to TheWrap, Lee will not be serving as a director on the third installment. This doesn't mean she won't be working on it at all — as Lee remarked, "I'm doing what I do with all the other projects." But she offered a slightly different take at the London Film Festival (via Deadline), remarking, "Last week, they carved out time for me to work with the creative team on it. And I'm blown away ... I don't know what I'm doing on it yet. I might be doing nothing." Bob Iger added yet another perspective in November 2023 when he remarked (via The Hollywood Reporter), "Jenn Lee ... is hard at work with her team at Disney Animation on not one but actually two stories." One thing is clear: Lee is definitely involved, even if it's in a new capacity.
If Lee's not directing "Frozen 3," who is? We can't yet say. There's a definite possibility Buck will be back, perhaps paired with a new co-director. Disney has a deep bench of talent to choose from, but they might also decide to go in a new direction entirely. Either way, we're excited.
Will there be a Frozen 4?
It might seem a tad early to start pondering the possibility of a "Frozen 4," given the fact that "Frozen 3" currently lacks a trailer or virtually any hints regarding its plot. But Disney CEO Bob Iger introduced the prospect himself in November 2023, which makes it fair game for speculation. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Iger dropped this particular bomb at Hong Kong Disneyland, which was celebrating a new "Frozen"-themed area. "'Frozen 3' is in the works," Iger told "Good Morning America" host Michael Strahan, "and there might be a 'Frozen 4' in the works too." He went on to remark, "Jenn Lee, who created 'Frozen' – the original 'Frozen' and 'Frozen 2' – is hard at work with her team at Disney Animation on not one but actually two stories ... A little scoop."
More like a big scoop, Iger. Lee herself added a little more detail when she told Disney, "We are deeply excited about the story we are shaping together, and it's so epic it may not fit into just one film." A fourth "Frozen" movie might be far in the future, but it's officially a real possibility. We currently have no way of knowing what it might be about or when it might debut, but it's apparently headed our way.
Where to watch the previous Frozen movies
Before "Frozen 3" comes out, it might be a good idea to revisit the previous films in the series or check them out for the first time if you've never visited Arendelle before.
The first film, 2013's "Frozen," introduces us to Elsa's icy powers, as well as a lovable snowman, an adorable reindeer, and a new twist on true love's kiss. Plus, it gave us one of the all-time movie songs with "Let It Go." You can stream "Frozen" on Disney+, or you can rent it on Apple iTunes, Amazon Video, Google Play, Vudu, and YouTube.
You'll then want to see what happens next in "Frozen 2," as our heroes are drawn into an enchanted forest and learn the truth about Elsa's powers. You'll also get to hear Jonathan Groff deliver an '80s-style power ballad with "Lost in the Woods," which is a major highlight of the movie. You can find "Frozen 2" on Disney+, or you can rent it on Apple iTunes, Amazon Video, Google Play, Vudu, and YouTube.