Disney’s Frozen 2 received mixed reviews, but the box office results were enough reason for Disney to add Frozen 3 to their slate of movies. For Frozen 2, screenwriter Jennifer Lee once again co-directed with Chris Buck, using the sequel to open up the characters' horizons to lands beyond Arendelle. This change in the narrative structure was somewhat surprising for a high-profile Disney sequel, but proved the studio wasn't above taking risks despite pumping out so many "safe" sequels.

While Frozen 2 doesn’t feature a traditional villain like Frozen's loathsome Prince Hanz, it does build to a conclusion that provides spiritual clarity for both the people of Arendelle and the Northuldra tribe. Unlike Frozen's declarative anthem “Let It Go,” the sequel’s theme song, “Into the Unknown” is more introspective, and creates an entirely different mood — one mirrored by the deeper themes of the movie itself. Frozen 2's ending also leaves the story very open to go in new directions, so there's intense speculation on what Frozen 3 has in store for Elsa, Anna, Sven, Christoph, and Olaf.

The Latest Frozen 3 News

Jennifer Lee Returns To Direct

As work begins on the highly-anticipated third movie in the blockbuster animated franchise, the latest news confirms the director for Frozen 3 and Frozen 4. After receiving a promotion to the role of Disney Animation's chief creative officer and initially ruling out the possibility of helming the threequel, Frozen 2 director Jennifer Lee will direct movies 3 and 4. In the process, Lee will step down from her role as Animation CCO, and she later confirmed the news with a glowing statement about her time with Disney. It's unclear if Frozen 2 co-director Chris Buck will also return.

Read Lee's statement here:

"I am so grateful to Bob and Alan for ing my decision to return to filmmaking full time. Every day working with them is a master class in creativity, business, community, and integrity..."

Lee also co-directed 2013's Frozen with Chris Buck.

Frozen 3 Release Date

The Threequel Arrives In 2027

Originally planned for a 2026 release, Disney has now shifted the premiere date for Frozen 3 to a year later in 2027. Capitalizing on the box office boom caused by the Thanksgiving holiday, Frozen 3 is now slated to debut on November 24, 2027. This date will come exactly eight years after Frozen 2 found great success with its late November release back in 2019.

Frozen 2 premiered on November 22, 2019.

Frozen 3 Cast

Anna & Elsa Will Return Again

Considering that the project is a long way off, there is very little about Idina Menzel (Wicked) is back as Elsa with Menzel confirming her return but insisting she has not yet been given any details on the sequel. The same goes for Kristen Bell (The Good Place) as the lovable Anna.

Jonathan Groff's (Mindhunter) Kristoff should return to the fold with his lovable reindeer Sven, played by Frank Welker (Scooby-Doo). Finally, the incomparable Olaf, portrayed by comedian Josh Gad (Beauty and the Beast), will most certainly grace the screen again in Frozen 3.

The presumptive cast of Frozen 3 includes:

Frozen 3's Story

Frozen 3's Story Will Link With Frozen 4

Frozen 3 will carry over into Frozen 4, suggesting that the story of the threequel will merely be setup for the fourth film.

The Frozen 3 story will likely continue from where Frozen 2 left off, but even that's speculative this early on. Frozen 2 is somewhat unusual in that it doesn't have an actual villain, and is instead about a journey to find out the source of Elsa's powers (and to reveal the secrets of Arendelle's past). However, it does go to lengths to repeatedly remind the audience of Frozen's villain, Prince Hans.

With Anna now ruling as Queen of Arendelle and Elsa looking after the Enchanted Forest, a new villain could interrupt the peaceful give-and-take dynamic between the respective lands. Concept art shown at 2024's D23 revealed a shadowy and imposing figure creeping behind the sisters, and that Viking-like figure could be a new antagonist. It was also announced that Frozen 3 will carry over into Frozen 4, suggesting that the story of the threequel will merely be setup for the fourth film.