New Voices Take on Main ‘Frozen’ Characters in Disney Streaming Project

Disney is gearing up for a new era of Frozen, positioning the franchise for the next generation of moviegoers—and that includes major moves in both animation and at the theme parks.

How the Frozen Phenomenon Began

Launched in 2013, the original Frozen shattered expectations, earning more than $1.28 billion at the global box office and setting a new high-water mark for animated features. When Frozen II arrived in 2019, the bar was raised even higher, pulling in $1.45 billion and officially establishing the series as one of Disney’s most powerful brands.

Elsa and Anna went beyond simply stepping into the spotlight—Idina Menzel’s “Let It Go” turned into a global anthem and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Instead of centering a fairy-tale romance, the franchise captured audiences with touches of emotional realism, themes of sisterhood, and journeys of self-discovery.

In November 2022, Bob Iger made a surprise return as CEO, replacing Bob Chapek. Soon after, the studio confirmed that new installments were being developed for Toy Story, Frozen, and Zootopia. The first title to arrive will be Zootopia 2, slated for November 28, 2025.

At this year’s D23 Expo, fans finally glimpsed what Frozen’s future could look like. Walt Disney Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer Jennifer Lee debuted concept artwork from Frozen III, showing Anna and Elsa traveling across unfamiliar terrain atop mysterious creatures.

“Filmmaker Jennifer Lee said, ‘There were a lot of questions coming out of Frozen 2…it will take two films to answer them,'” Deadline reported. “She did this without saying on the nose that there will be a Frozen 4. Nor was a logo for Frozen 4 flashed up on the screen.”

Hints of a fourth chapter have been floating around for some time. While opening the World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland in November 2023, Bob Iger offered a cryptic tease of what might be coming.

“Frozen 3 is in the works,” Iger said in an interview with Good Morning America (via Deadline). “And there might be a Frozen 4 in the works, too. But I don’t have much to say about those films right now.”

Despite growing curiosity, D23 brought no confirmation of a fourth movie. Some even questioned if Disney might opt to combine the storylines into one feature. What did shift, however, was the timing.

“She did say Frozen III, or Frozen 3, would hit screens in 2027 (Disney has Nov.24, 2027, on hold for the animated movie –that’s the traditional Thanksgiving spot for Frozen),” wrote Deadline.

An earlier release window had previously been floated. According to IGN: “During Disney’s Q1 2024 earnings call in February, CEO Bob Iger revealed that Frozen 3 was given a 2026 release window alongside Toy Story 5, the latter of which was later assigned a June 19, 2026 release date. Considering that the first two Frozen films were released around Thanksgiving in November, chances are Frozen 3 will release on November 25, 2026.”

That schedule has now shifted, placing Frozen III firmly on course for November 2027.

Frozen Arrives Again in 2025–But With New Voices

Fans didn’t have to wait for Frozen III to see Arendelle again. This year, Disney teamed with LEGO for a fresh take on the world of Frozen—starring a completely recast voice lineup.

Released on Disney+ on October 24, LEGO Disney Frozen: Operation Puffins marks a new type of narrative entry.

“After the events of Disney’s Frozen, Anna and Elsa want to start fresh in Arendelle and make the castle feel a bit more comfortable,” Disney Parks Blog wrote on the new Frozen story. “While they struggle to break free of the bounds of tradition, the Duke of Weselton has other plans for their beloved home alongside a flock of menacing puffins.”

The core roles were entirely recast. Abby Trott now voices Anna, stepping in for Kristen Bell. Danielle Bisutti takes over from Idina Menzel as Elsa, while Jake Green voices Olaf in place of Josh Gad. Matt Lowe now plays Kristoff, replacing Jonathan Groff.

A few familiar voices return—Alan Tudyk is back as the Duke of Weselton, while Stephen J. Anderson continues voicing Kai. Paul Briggs also returns as Marshmallow, just as he did in previous films.

Watch the trailer here:

Where Frozen 3 Stands in Production

Although Frozen III now has a confirmed release, production remains in early stages. Josh Gad recently gave Collider a disappointing update.

“We have not started recording. We have not heard songs yet. I was lucky enough to get a sort of preview of what the movie is, and it’s going to be worth the wait. It’s pretty extraordinary what they’re doing. Pretty extraordinary,” Gad said.

He emphasized the importance of telling a meaningful story: “For me, my whole thing was don’t do a sequel unless there’s a reason to do a sequel. If you have a story worth telling, then call us up and let’s do it. To Jennifer Lee’s credit, she really took that note and gave herself that note and has created something that’s going to be worth the wait.”

The actor also reflected on the potential scope of the story.

“I think the plan, what they’ve announced, is that there is a Frozen 3 and 4 in the works,” the actor added. “The story that I’ve been kind of previewed is the grandest story we’ve ever done, so I anticipate it’s going to be a little too much for one movie.”

Frozen’s influence has been massive both on-screen and off. From hit merchandise and video games to the Frozen Ever After attraction at Walt Disney World, the Tokyo DisneySea journey, and Hong Kong Disneyland’s World of Frozen—the franchise has expanded into nearly every major Disney division. Broadway joined the lineup in 2018, introducing new songs and a theatrical adaptation that brought Arendelle to life onstage.

The Deeper Meaning Behind Frozen

Beyond its box-office impact, Frozen helped redefine modern storytelling at Disney. Elsa and Anna’s character arcs highlight emotional maturity and personal resilience, prompting audiences to consider interpretations—including theories surrounding queer identity—that could one day influence the franchise’s direction.

Financially and thematically, Frozen remains one of Disney’s most valuable properties—and a key part of its strategy for years to come.

Even as Inside Out 2 (2024) surpassed Frozen II to become the highest-grossing animated movie ever—before itself being overtaken—the foundation laid by Frozen remains solid. Arendelle continues to evolve, and the audience is still paying attention.

What are your thoughts on Frozen’s next chapter? Share them in the comments below!