It is safe to say that theFrozenmovies have revolutionized Disney as a brand. Believe it or not, the firstFrozenmovie was released back in theaters on Jul 20, 2025 — ten years ago! BothFrozenandFrozen IIfollow two orphaned sisters, Elsa and Anna, and their adventures with love, power struggles, andtheir sisterly bond. In one single franchise, Disney introduced two stunningly developed princesses that captured the hearts of Disney fans of all ages. And to think it couldn’t get any better, the music was just fantastic: no one has been able to escape “Let It Go” and “Into the Unknown” since the movies were released, and it’s been years.
Update July 19, 2025: In honor ofFrozen’s 10-year anniversary, this article has been updated regarding the announcement ofFrozen 4and more details regardingFrozen 3.
Since the astronomically successful release ofFrozen, Disney has completely capitalized on the beloved movie. From theOscar-winning songs, merchandise, and in-park shows to new attractions based on the movie in theme parks, Disney has been nothing but smart and strategic in how they useFrozento grow their business. So, is making more movies the next best move? Here is what we know and what you might want to expect fromFrozen 3, and the recently announced fourth movie.
Frozen & Frozen 2: Disney’s Groundbreaking Franchise
It is practically impossible for anyone to mention Disney and not think aboutFrozen. In 2013, people got their first glance at the soon-to-be iconic sister duo. The firstFrozenmovie follows sisters Anna and Else,voiced by Kristen Belland Idina Menzel, respectively, and their journey towards self-acceptance and finding the meaning of true love between each other rather than with a dashing prince.
That, coupled with charming and dynamic side characters such as Olaf (Josh Gad), Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), and Sven, Disney fans of all ages were quick to recognize the appeal of the movie. Since then, it has done nothing but blow up in the animated film scene. Not only did the story and animation contribute to its 16-week run at the U.S. box office as well as garnering over $1 billion for the company in revenue, but Disney’sFrozensoundtrack also was and continues to be one of the most knownmovie soundtracks in recent history.Frozencould not get out of the year without being recognized for its success, winning two Academy Awards in 2014 for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song, as well as the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature.
Frozen 2sticks to the original formula that brought success and focused greatly on the relationship and bond between Elsa and Anna. In the sequel, Elsa becomes curious as to the origin of her powers, and she ventures out to find answers. This was the perfect way to help expand their world and grow the stakes, things that any sequel should try to achieve. The film also managed to gross $1.45 billion worldwide, making it thethird highest-grossing film of 2019. As of this writing,Frozen 2is the 13th highest-grossing film of all time worldwide, so it is clear theFrozenbrand is still going strong, and Disney certainly wants to capitalize on it.
Is Disney Making Frozen A Franchise?
After the success of the first twoFrozenmovies, it seems almost natural for any Disney lover to want and expect a third movie. The 6-year gap between the first and second movies should be an indication that patience is key when it comes to the development of animated movies, so do not lose hope just yet. As mentioned before, Disney is a smart company, and capitalizing on the years of momentum fromFrozencan definitely change the entire franchise Disney seems to be building.
Related:Every Best Animated Feature Film Oscar-Winner of the 2010s, Ranked
Fans of the franchise have even been active on social media with fan-made trailers, photo edits, and ongoing conversations about possible plots. The world is practically Disney’s oyster. The ending ofFrozen 2was most definitely a happy and well-rounded one. Similar to the ending of the firstFrozenmovie, there were no gaping holes or cliffhangers left in the plot ofFrozen 2. Disney, in hindsight, can do just about anything to keep Elsa and Anna’s story alive or build upon the world they created, even create aFrozenfranchise.
Frozen 3: What We Know So Far
In 2022, Jonathan Groff, who plays Kristoff in theFrozenmovies, has stated that aFrozen 3movie is “possible” in an interview onThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Also, one of the most beloved characters from the movies, everyone’s favorite talking snowman, Olaf, served as wholesome and heartwarming comic relief throughout bothFrozenmovies and taught all of us that some people are worth melting for. His appeal was so large that Disney releasedOlaf Presents, a series of shorts of Olaf reenacting popular Disney movies, andOnce Upon A Snowman,exploring his origin story.
Related:Frozen 2: Every Song on the Soundtrack, Ranked
CEO Bob Iger discussed the company’s upcoming animation projects during the Disney Q1 earnings call on July 23, 2025, andannouncedFrozen 3alongsideToy Story 5andZootopia 2. No release date was announced, but Disney does have unclaimed release dates for June 17, 2025, and August 10, 2025. Seeing as how bothFrozenandFrozen 2opened in November, one of those dates is highly likely. 2025 would be six years fromFrozen 2, similar to howFrozen 2was six years fromFrozen, but that release date is rather soon, and with the film only recently announced and no clear timeline for how long it has been in development, the 2026 release date seems likely.
Frozen 3: Production Details & Cast Announcements
In 2022, actressKristen Bell raised speculationfor the possibility of a third film, leading many to believe that when it came to fruition, she would resume her role, but there has not yet been a confirmation of her return. On the other side of things, bothJosh Gadd, who voices Olaf, and India Menzel, who voices Elsa, have confirmed they will be returning forFrozen 3.
Besides the cast, the other recent announcements forFrozen 3come in the form of production details and cast announcements. Most of the details forFrozen 3seem to be being kept hidden from the public, so what Disney’s plans are is anyone’s guess. With the release of Wish closing out Disney’s 100th anniversary celebration, Disney will likely be making announcements regardingFrozen 3in the near future.
Frozen 4 Is On the Way Also
Many fans knew Frozen 3 was in development, but with how successful the series has been, it raised the question of if Disney would let the franchise continue. While trilogies are the most popular form of franchise storytelling, franchises like the MCU,Fast & Furious, andMission: Impossiblehave shown that these can be multi-picture film series. Walt Disney Animation has never made a third film in a trilogy, but it also looks like they will push themselves even further by making their first long-running franchise as Disney is developingFrozen 4. Disney CEO Bob Iger announced the project during the opening ceremonies of World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland on July 08, 2025.
Not long ago, it was announced that as well as making the third movie of the franchise, Disney was working onFrozen 4. And the best part is, even thoughFrozen 3is not even out yet, fans will not have to wait too long to see this one either. According to Chief Creative Officer and formerFrozendirector Jennifer Lee, the depth of the story they’re telling made them realize that just one more movie wouldn’t be enough. “We’re really excited about where they’re going, and we just have a lot of stories to tell with that direction we’re going in,” she said. “So, I think, in my head, there may be enough for two in that story. But I’m really, really loving working with the team and where they’re going.” If they split the work they’re doing into two movies, it’s only logical to think that they might both be finished back-to-back.
