It’s often said that Disney’s having a second renaissance period when it comes to its animated movies, as just about every one they release is welcomed with critical acclaim and big box office numbers. But while the likes of Moana, Zootopia and Big Hero 6 have all done extremely well, one film still trumps them. Of course, we’re talking about Frozen, and while it may already be four years since it first thawed the hearts of Disney lovers everywhere, it’s still just as massive a part of pop culture as ever.
Set to arrive in 2019, Frozen 2 has a lot to live up to, but one of its stars has high hopes that people will love it just as much as the first film. While chatting with Cinema Blend, Kristen Bell – who voices protagonist Anna, princess of Arrendale and the sister of ice queen Elsa – teased what’s to come in the sequel. As well as revealing that she’s already recorded her part and explaining the methods of writer/director Jennifer Lee, Bell hinted that some new characters will be introduced who are sure to become fan favourites.
“I will say this. I have read it, I have recorded it. It changes every now and again. It’s VERY good. I’m excited about the fact that Jen Lee, the director, and I had a very long conversation. So they had just taken their trip to Norway, the directors and the producers, and they basically just take the entire culture in. And make this big sort of fun home movie. [They] take all of those elements and say ‘What story needs to be told?’ And she is so genius.
She had journaled, as the characters, for months to try and figure out [what they’d say]. She’s like, ‘What do we want to say?’ And then she’s just journaling as Elsa, just journaling as Anna. We sat down and she said ‘within this context, what do you think Anna would be feeling right now, in this stage of her life?’
One thing I will say, there are a couple new characters that you will fall in love with. That thing I feel like I can say safely.”
Bell hasn’t let slip any concrete details about the movie here, but it’s possible to theorize about what could transpire in Frozen 2 from what she’s said. For instance, the introduction of new characters suggests that Anna and Elsa might be journeying outside of Arrendale, where they come across some fresh faces.
The comments about Lee’s in-depth analysis of the characters, meanwhile, may indicate that the sequel will delve deeper into what makes them tick. Chalk that up as speculation for now, but either way, it sounds like we’re in for a good time.
Frozen 2 is set to snowball into cinemas on November 27th, 2019.