Disney’s latest update on the Frozen franchise arrives at a time when the studio is repositioning itself to meet an evolving audience, both in theaters and across its theme park empire.Credit: DisneyThe Frozen Journey So FarFirst released in 2013, Frozen became an instant juggernaut for Walt Disney Animation Studios. The original film earned more than $1.28 billion worldwide, setting a new benchmark for animated features and redefining what a modern Disney hit could achieve in terms of success. Six years later, Frozen II (2019) took things even further, reaching $1.45 billion globally and solidifying the series as a cornerstone of Disney’s animation slate.The franchise truly broke into pop-culture territory when Idina Menzel’s rendition of “Let It Go” became a worldwide anthem for self-empowerment, going on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Elsa (voiced by Idina Menzel) and Anna (voiced by Kristen Bell) shifted the traditional Disney princess narrative, focusing on themes such as sisterhood, independence, and personal growth, rather than conventional romance.Credit: DisneyAfter Bob Iger made his high-profile return as CEO in November 2022—replacing Bob Chapek—the studio confirmed that follow-ups were on the way for Toy Story, Frozen, and Zootopia. The first of those, Zootopia 2, is set for release on November 28, 2025.This year’s D23 Expo offered the most unambiguous indication yet of where Frozen is headed. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Chief Creative Officer, Jennifer Lee, provided fans with first-look concept art from Frozen III, depicting Anna and Elsa journeying across an unfamiliar landscape atop mysterious animals.“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.”Credit: DisneyHints of a fourth installment aren’t entirely new. While opening the World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland in November 2023, Bob Iger teased that something more expansive may already be underway.“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.”Still, despite the speculation, D23 arrived with no direct mention of Frozen 4—leaving some to wonder whether Disney could potentially combine the follow-up stories into a single movie. What was confirmed, however, was the official timing for the franchise’s next chapter.Credit: Disney“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. That date represents a shift from the studio’s initial plan.“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 target has now been pushed back, with Frozen III officially on track for November 2027.Credit: DisneyFrozen Returns in 2025 With a Whole New CastThis year, Frozen fans were surprised with a brand-new installment in the franchise–that also featured an entirely new cast.On October 24, Disney, in partnership with LEGO, dropped a brand new series on Disney+: LEGO Disney Frozen: Operation Puffins.“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.”Credit: DisneyInterestingly, but also not wildly unusual, is the fact that the entire main cast of the series featured none of the original performers.In this LEGO special, Abby Trott takes over the role of Anna, replacing Kristen Bell from the original two Frozen films. Danielle Bisutti voices Elsa, stepping in for Idina Menzel, who originated the character. Jake Green now plays Olaf, filling the role previously voiced by Josh Gad. Kristoff is portrayed by Matt Lowe, succeeding Jonathan Groff from the theatrical releases.However, there were some returning voices. Alan Tudyk returns as the Duke of Weselton, one of the few cast members reprising his original role. Stephen J. Anderson voices Kai, and Paul Briggs plays Marshmallow—continuing his connection to the character, as Briggs also provided Marshmallow’s voice in the earlier films.Watch the trailer here:Frozen 3 In ProductionDespite the date being set, the sequel isn’t as far along as some fans might expect. Olaf voice actor Josh Gad recently revealed to Collider that recording has not yet 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.He added, “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.”Credit: DisneyHe also echoed what both Iger and Lee had previously suggested—that this might not be the end 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 has long extended beyond the screen. Merchandise, especially tied to Elsa’s signature blue gown, has generated massive revenue for Disney. The brand expanded into video games, podcasts, and theme park experiences such as Frozen Ever After at Walt Disney World Resort, Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey at Tokyo DisneySea, and the highly immersive World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland. The franchise also arrived on Broadway in 2018, introducing new music while earning a strong critical reception.Credit: DisneyFrozen Goes Deeper Than the MoviesMore than just a fantasy tale, Frozen has reshaped Disney’s approach to story and character. Elsa and Anna represent a shift toward narratives centered on emotional growth and resilience, breaking from the traditional mold of romance-first storytelling. Elsa’s journey has also sparked interpretations regarding queer identity, prompting ongoing speculation about whether future films may embrace that reading of the character.On a business level, Frozen remains one of Disney’s most valuable properties and continues to shape its broader creative strategy across various media.Credit: DisneyEven with Inside Out 2 (2024) surpassing Frozen II to claim the spot as the highest-grossing animated film ever, before itself being surpassed later, the impact of Frozen remains firmly in place. The world of Arendelle continues to evolve, with new adventures ahead and a devoted audience still following every development.How do you feel about the new Frozen franchise additions? Let us know in the comments down below!The post Main ‘Frozen’ Characters Recast Ahead of Third Movie Release appeared first on Inside the Magic.