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DISNEY ANIMATION HAS announced that a follow-up to the animated mega-hit “Frozen” — which raked in nearly €1.2 billion in global ticket sales — is in the works.
“Forecast: Winter weather ahead! Disney Animation developing #Frozen2,” the studio said on Twitter, adding that directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee would be back for the second installment of the musical tale.
“At last, I can say – FROZEN 2!!!! I’m beyond excited to create alongside my Frozen family!” Lee tweeted, along with a photo of Queen Elsa and her sister Anna — the stars of the blockbuster Oscar-winning flick.
Beyond being Disney’s top box-office hit, “Frozen” is the fifth top-grossing film of all time, according to industry tracker Box Office Mojo.
It won two Oscars last year for best animated feature — Disney’s first in the category — and best original song for the ubiquitous “Let It Go.”
Beyond the booming ticket sales, the film’s princess stars and sidekick ‘Olaf the Snowman’ are also cash generators in the form of merchandise, theme park attractions and – appropriately – ice shows.
The film’s soundtrack — boosted by the popularity of “Let It Go” and other tunes like “Do You Wanna Build A Snowman?” — has been a best-seller.
There are tentative plans for a Broadway show, following in the footsteps of “The Lion King” and “Aladdin.”
Loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen,” the film tells the story of princess Anna, who sets off on a journey to find her sister Elsa, whose hard-to-control icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter.
The dynamic sisters are set to star in an animated short, “Frozen Fever”, to be released with Disney’s live-action feature “Cinderella” on Friday — a twin bill that experts say is likely to boost “Cinderella” sales.
- Twitter explosion -
“Frozen 2″ quickly became one of the top trending topics on Twitter.
Actress Kristen Bell, who portrays Anna, tweeted a photo of herself smiling and sleeping on a bag of ice cubes, with the message: “Dreams really do come 2!!! #FROZEN2.”
The announcement from Disney — also made at an annual meeting with shareholders — is hardly a surprise, given the massive success of the 2013 original, which focused more on sisterly love than a romance.
The studio’s last animated release, “Big Hero 6,” has so far taken in just €569 million worldwide in comparison, despite largely positive reviews and this year’s Oscar for best animated feature.
Disney also offered news on another major franchise — the “Star Wars” films.
It revealed the title of its first stand-alone film featuring “Star Wars” characters — “Rogue One” — and said Oscar-nominated British actress Felicity Jones had been cast in the film set for release in December 2016.
Episode VIII in the original series will be released in May 2017.
Disney shelled out $4 billion to buy “Star Wars” founder George Lucas’s Lucasfilm in October 2012.
Disney chairman and chief executive Robert Iger today hailed the entertainment giant’s good financial health.
“We’ve had four straight years of record results,” Iger told shareholders.
Driven by extraordinary creativity, innovative technology and global expansion, 2014 was in fact the best year in our history.
Revenue was up eight percent to €45.95 billion, a company statement said.
Disney shares were up 3.5 percent to €100.32 in late trade — a sign that investors were pleased with the announcements.
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Blandness for the masses.
Hoping to have a cracking night tonight. I live thousands of miles away, by the way.
@Martin Flood: sounds like Ed should have a great night too
Almost every woman in the country will have seen him by this weekend
I see the Moaning Michaels are up early today.
I’ve passed by a few times this week, venue looks great, should be a great night for those going if the rain holds off!
Sheeran shuttle €12.50/€15 big difference between that and the gig in Galway €1.30/€2.30 for the bus. Unbelievable show tho from all acts
Phoenix Park shouldn’t be a concert area. More than 60.000 people will come for 3 nights in a week. That’s not a regional or national event. All animals, and habitat will be affected. I live next to Phoenix Park and they told me I can’t drive during the concert nights. We have other stadiums and concert areas.
@penyez: You’re spot on, going by previous events the park will be in bits, there’s no respect for nature anymore. I know Croke Park can’t be used because of the Rolling Stones gig, but we still have the Aviva as big venue.
@Bart Hoppenbrouwers: don’t worry all the wildlife will be fast asleep due to the blandness of it all.
Oh God and sweet baby Jesus…….
There’s enough going on in Croke Park tomorrow night to entertain the masses
@Gareth Cooney: I know, I’m thinking of all the poor men been dragged along by their girlfriends
@Alana: to Ed
These concerts seem to be attracting the type of people who don’t usually go to gigs. John and Aisling who were looking forward to Garth Brooks a few years ago are attending these concerts en masse.
Meanwhile Ed Sheeran is laughing all the way to the bank.
Is he still a thing
Seated ticket for tonight for sale . Block D row AA. 50 euro.
@Alan Campbell: Don’t feel bad. Some people paid a lot more.
I feel sorry for the animals in the zoo. They had no say in this and have to sit through three nights of torture!
Please don’t turn up to the stones concert ed
The LCD.
have your say