The news comes as Disney continues to adapt to its shifting audience.Credit: DisneyLaunched in 2013 by Walt Disney Animation Studios, Frozen quickly cemented itself as one of Disney’s most valuable properties. The original film pulled in over $1.28 billion worldwide, setting a record at the time for the highest-grossing animated feature ever.Its follow-up, Frozen II (2019), pushed the franchise even higher, collecting $1.45 billion globally. Beyond the box office, the franchise’s cultural footprint expanded with Idina Menzel’s performance of “Let It Go,” which became a worldwide anthem for self-empowerment.That hit single went on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song and continues to resonate across generations. Elsa (voiced by Menzel) and Anna (voiced by Kristen Bell) challenged the classic Disney princess mold, centering their story around themes of sisterhood, independence, and discovery rather than traditional romance.Credit: DisneyFollowing Bob Iger’s dramatic return as CEO in November 2022—ousting his successor Bob Chapek—Disney confirmed that new installments were in development for Toy Story, Frozen, and Zootopia. First to arrive will be Zootopia 2, coming November 28, 2025.At this D23 Expo 2024, audiences finally got a clearer glimpse of Frozen’s future. Walt Disney Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer Jennifer Lee shared the first concept art from Frozen III, depicting Anna and Elsa riding animals toward a glowing new landscape.“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: DIsneyThis may not come as a huge surprise, since Disney already hinted at a fourth Frozen movie. Iger himself teased it while opening the World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland in November 2023.“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, the lack of Frozen 4 news at D23 raises questions. As with other Disney projects, plans can shift, meaning the studio could choose to merge the two stories into one film. What Lee did confirm is when audiences will actually see the 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 marks a delay from Disney’s earlier timeline.“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.”The 2026 plan is now off the table, with Frozen III officially locked for November 2027.Credit: DisneyHowever, as 2025 nears its final quarter, many may think production on Frozen 3 is well underway–think again. Olaf voice actor Josh Gad recently told Collider that recording had not 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.”Gad then echoed both Bob Iger and Jennifer Lee’s teases of their most likely being a fourth installment.Credit: Disney“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 cultural and commercial power extends well beyond theaters. Merchandise sales—led by Elsa’s instantly recognizable blue gown—have generated billions for Disney. The franchise also spawned video games, podcasts, and major theme park expansions, including Frozen Ever After at Walt Disney World Resort, Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey at Tokyo DisneySea, and the immersive World of Frozen in Hong Kong.Frozen even moved to Broadway in 2018, where the stage adaptation earned strong reviews and introduced new songs to complement the film’s score.Credit: DisneyAs a cultural touchstone, the franchise has redefined Disney’s approach to its princess lineup. Elsa and Anna’s arcs emphasize family, growth, and empowerment, moving the studio away from love stories as the primary narrative driver.Elsa’s journey of self-acceptance has become particularly meaningful, with some fans reading queer themes into her character. That interpretation has sparked speculation and hope that future films could confirm Elsa as part of the LGBTQIAP+ community.From an economic standpoint, Frozen continues to be one of Disney’s most profitable properties, shaping its larger strategy while maintaining a strong grip on audiences worldwide.Credit: DisneyFrozen remains a global phenomenon, with new stories still ahead and its influence still widely felt. Even as Inside Out 2 (2024) recently surpassed Frozen II to become the highest-grossing animated film ever (if only for a short time before itself got usurped), the Frozen franchise maintains its place as a landmark in Disney’s animated history.Are you disappointed that Frozen III has not even commenced recording? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!The post Disney Star Confirms Disappointing News About ‘Frozen 3’ appeared first on Inside the Magic.