In a groundbreaking move, Kristen Bell, Josh Gad, and Idina Menzel have each secured deals exceeding $60 million to reprise their roles in the upcoming “Frozen 3” and “Frozen 4,” as TheWrap reports. This marks one of the highest paydays in animation history.
Jennifer Lee, the director behind the first two films, will return to direct these new installments. The “Frozen” franchise is incredibly valuable for Disney, with “Frozen 2” raking in $1.4 billion globally in 2019, adding to the success of the original, which earned $1.3 billion. The returning cast plays a vital role in maintaining the franchise’s momentum.
This new agreement represents a significant increase from their last contracts, where each earned around $15 million for “Frozen 2.” The $60 million figure encompasses both upfront payments and potential bonuses tied to the films’ box office performance. An industry source clarified that this payment will be spread over several years as the films are produced and released.
“Frozen 3” aims for a Thanksgiving 2027 release. Along with Lee, Trent Correy, who co-directed the 2023 short “Once Upon a Studio,” will assist in directing. Producer Peter Del Vecho and songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez are also coming back to create more memorable tunes.
Although Lee stepped down as Chief Creative Officer at Walt Disney Animation Studios in 2024, she remains pivotal in the new sequels. While “Frozen 4” doesn’t have a release date yet, the anticipation grows.
The “Frozen” franchise has not only dominated the box office but has also launched an array of merchandise and park attractions, contributing billions to Disney’s revenue. The first “Frozen” film reinvented animation with its Broadway-style music, quickly turning into a cultural phenomenon. The hit song “Let It Go” became a pop culture staple, reinforcing Anna and Elsa as Disney’s latest icons.
In 2022, a Broadway adaptation of “Frozen” closed due to the pandemic, yet the franchise continued to flourish with touring productions and theme park attractions. A new “World of Frozen” area is set to open at Disneyland Paris in 2026, solidifying the franchise’s presence across the Disney universe.
Recent discussions on social media reflect fans’ excitement about the new films, with many sharing their favorite moments from the previous movies. The impact of “Frozen” on pop culture and the animation industry is undeniable, making the upcoming sequels highly anticipated events.
For more insights on the significance of animation in today’s entertainment landscape, you can check out this report on the future of animation.
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Frozen 3,Frozen 4,Idina Menzel,Josh Gad,Kristen Bell
