Updated (May 13th, 2024): Frozen 3's official release date has been announced, along with new quotes from the cast and producers of Frozen 3 teasing the movie's plot.
Frozen 3 is one the way from Walt Disney Animation Studios.
After the success of both Frozen and Frozen 2, which have grossed a combined $2.7 Billion at the worldwide box office, a third outing in the Frozen franchise was inevitable.
This comes as Disney focuses on known quantities, greenlighting sequels of past hits as opposed to new and unproven ideas. Amongst these new sequels are Frozen 3, Toy Story 5, and Zootopia 2 among others.
Is Frozen 3 Confirmed?
During The Walt Disney Company's First Quarter 2023 Financial Results Conference Call, Bob Iger confirmed that Frozen 3 is officially in the works.
While Frozen 2 director Jennifer Lee told Deadline in 2019 that "[she felt] very done," she also left the door open for a threequel, saying, "Time will tell if we have more story to tell, or if anyone even wants it:"
"I know this sounds crazy, but I’m still hoping we did right by 'Frozen 2'. I’m still in that overwhelming position of, our kids just went out to the world. Everything feels final, but also bittersweet. Time will tell if we have more story to tell, or if anyone even wants it. So, there you have it. [laughs] Right now, I feel very done."
And it seems Disney wants it, as the studio continues to invest in sequels to some of its biggest franchises.
During the February 2023 announcement, Iger posited, "I’m so pleased to announce that we have sequels in the works" for "some of our most popular franchises" (via Deadline):
"Today I’m so pleased to announce that we have sequels in the works from our animation studios to some of our most popular franchises, 'Toy Story,' 'Frozen' and 'Zootopia.' We’ll have more to share about these productions soon, but this is a great example of how we’re leaning into our unrivaled brands and franchises."
Mere months later, Disney would go even further, in announcing a fourth movie in the Frozen franchise with few details about either film known (per Good Morning America):
"Well I’ll give you a little surprise there, Michael. Frozen 3 is in the works, and there might be a 'Frozen 4' in the works, too. And I don’t have much to say about those films right now, but 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."
When Will Frozen 3 Release?
While it took some time for Frozen 3 to get a date, the animated threequel was confirmed for a 2026 release in February 2024.
During a quarterly earnings call in early 2024, Disney CEO Bob Iger revealed a new slate for the studio, including a release date for Frozen 3.
As a part of the announcement, the Disney executive laid out his plans for the film including its November 25, 2026 debut.
This came despite rumors the film would release sometime in 2025; however, those proved to be false, as Disney lines the third Frozen movie for a 2026 release.
Which Cast Members Are Returning For Frozen 3?
While the entire cast of Frozen 3 has not been confirmed, Josh Gad, who plays the living snowman Olaf, has announced that he will be returning for Frozen 3 via Twitter.
"Excited to head back… into the Unknown."
Confirmed to join Gad's Olaf in the animated threequel is Idina Menzel as the ice-wielding Elsa. In an interview with Billboard, the Broadway star revealed she will be a part of the movie, but "[does not] know a lot:"
"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. They don't show you anything. 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."
Anna star Kirsten Bell has played a similar level of coy when asked about the movie, only willing to say she is a part of it and nothing else.
Below is a full list of expected returning actors in Frozen 3:
- Idina Menzel - Elsa
- Kirsten Bell - Anna
- Josh Gad - Olaf
- Jonathan Groff - Kristoff
- Frank Welker - Sven
Will Elsa Get a Girlfriend In Frozen 3?
Story details for Frozen 3 remain sparse, but there have been rumors about Elsa's sexuality and Elsa getting a girlfriend in an upcoming Frozen sequel.
A previous rumor indicated that Disney intends to give Elsa a female love interest. Interestingly, the rumor indicated that this would happen in a Frozen prequel, which could indicate the upcoming Frozen 3 is actually a prequel.
Aside from that, all that has been hinted at for the animated threequel's upcoming story is that it will be "amazing," according to Frozen producer Peter Del Vecho:
"Look, we only do sequels if we believe there's enough story to tell. They're working on it up in development, I'm focused on 'Wish'. But it is exciting what they're working on. I will say anything that you read about it in the public, we haven't said anything about it. So it's all conjecture, but I trust that it's going to be amazing."
Who Is The Queen of Arendelle in Frozen 3?
At the end of Frozen 2, Elsa abdicates the throne and Anna assumes the role of Queen and marries Kristoff, who then becomes King Consort. Anna will be the Queen of Arendelle at the beginning of Frozen 3.
What Is Elsa's New Title in Frozen 3?
Frozen 2 ends with Anna and Elsa breaking the curse on Arrendelle and calming the spirits. Elsa then steps down as Queen and assumes her role as the 5th Spirit, becoming the Protector of the Enchanted Forest. Elsa will continue to be the 5th Spirit in Frozen 3.
Is Disney Playing It Safe With Frozen 3?
As Frozen, Zootopia, and the long-running Toy Story franchise have proven to be lucrative properties for Disney, it makes sense for the company to return to these characters and stories.
And, while fans of the franchises are sure to be thrilled with the news, there's also the question of whether Iger and the company are playing it safe instead of continuing to pursue more original animated stories.
If so, this could be due to the lackluster reception for Walt Disney Animation's latest original film, Strange World, which flopped upon its late 2022 release.
In the coming months, it will be interesting to see how quickly Frozen 3's production gets underway and which of the announced sequels will be the first to debut.
Frozen 3 comes to theaters on November 25, 2026.
