The Frozen franchise is gearing up for another chapter, even if fans will be waiting longer than expected.
Since its debut in 2013, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen has become one of the company’s crown jewels. The original film grossed more than $1.28 billion worldwide, setting a then-record for the highest-grossing animated release in history. Its 2019 sequel, Frozen II, raised the bar even higher, reaching $1.45 billion at the global box office.
The films’ impact extended far beyond ticket sales. Idina Menzel’s powerhouse performance of “Let It Go” became a cultural anthem, winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Meanwhile, sisters Elsa and Anna—voiced by Menzel and Kristen Bell—stood apart from Disney’s traditional princess narratives, focusing instead on themes of sisterhood, independence, and self-discovery.
After Bob Iger returned as Disney CEO in November 2022, one of his first big announcements was the development of new installments in three key franchises: Toy Story, Zootopia, and Frozen. Zootopia 2 is scheduled to arrive first, opening November 28, 2025.
At the D23 Expo 2024, Walt Disney Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer Jennifer Lee unveiled concept art from Frozen III. The image depicted Anna and Elsa riding animals toward a glowing new horizon, signaling a fresh journey for the sisters.
“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 film are not new. During the November 2023 opening of the World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland, Iger teased the possibility himself.
“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 the speculation, Frozen 4 went unmentioned at D23, leaving open the possibility that the studio could combine the stories into one feature. What was confirmed is when the third installment will arrive.
“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. This timing represents a shift from Disney’s earlier projection.
“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,” wrote IGN last year. “Considering that the first two Frozen films were released around Thanksgiving in November, chances are Frozen 3 will release on November 25, 2026.”
That earlier plan is now shelved, with the sequel officially set for November 2027.
Progress, however, is still at a very early stage. Josh Gad, who voices Olaf, recently told Collider that no recording has begun.
“We have not started recording. We have not heard songs yet. I was lucky enough to get sort of a 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. “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 reinforced talk of a potential Frozen 4.
“I think the plan, what they’ve announced, is that there is a Frozen 3 and 4 in the works,” Gad 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.”
From merchandise and video games to podcasts and theme park expansions, Frozen’s reach has been massive. Walt Disney World Resort houses Frozen Ever After, Tokyo DisneySea features Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey, and Hong Kong Disneyland offers the immersive World of Frozen. A Broadway production also launched in 2018, expanding the franchise with new songs and drawing strong reviews.
The cultural influence of the films is equally significant. Elsa and Anna have shifted Disney’s approach to its princess lineup, prioritizing empowerment and family over romance. Elsa’s storyline of self-acceptance has also led some fans to interpret her arc through a queer lens, fueling speculation that future films might address that more directly.
Financially, Frozen remains one of Disney’s most reliable engines. Even though Inside Out 2 (2024) edged out Frozen II to become the highest-grossing animated film (for a short time), the Frozen brand continues to anchor Disney’s animated legacy.
With Frozen III now officially scheduled for 2027 and hints of a fourth story still floating, the franchise’s next chapter may be its biggest yet.
Are you disappointed that Frozen III has not even commenced recording? Let us know in the comments down below!
