The critically-acclaimed Disney animated film Frozen is getting a follow-up, but it won’t be in a feature-length film.
Details emerged Tuesday that Walt Disney is working on a short film titled Frozen Fever, which will be a continuation/spin-off to the Oscar-winning movie that won best animated feature and best original song. Sources announced through an ABC television special called “The Story of Frozen: Making an Animated Classic” that the film would reunite directors Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck with song writers Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, who will come up with new music material for the film exclusively.
Question is, what could it possibly be about? According sources, the short film takes place during Anna’s birthday, and things become much more of a ruckus once Elsa’s powers come into the play.
“Elsa and Kristoff are determined to give her the best celebration ever, but Elsa’s icy powers may put more than just the party at risk,” said an article on Cinemablend.
I’ll be honest, I don’t know if this is the right move for Disney or not. Frozen was one of the most highly revered films of the year, breaking box office records and winning audiences hearts worldwide. The film grossed over 1 billion dollars worldwide, the soundtrack reached number one on the Billboard 200, and it inspired an entire culture that sold out merchandise and costumes like it was Halloween for Disneyland. A growing franchise that big should not treat it’s follow-up with a short animated special like Toy Story or Cars does, or like Dreamworks does with about every single one of their properties.
Granted, Toy Story and Cars have reason to produce short animated specials because their franchise has grown with the production of at least one sequel. I may be playing the devil’s advocate here, but I think mainstream audiences are going to want more of Anna and Elsa than just 10 or 20 minutes of musical magic.
What do you guys think? Do you want more of the snow-covered sisters than a short film, or do you think Disney is smart by playing it safe for now? I’ll admit that I didn’t give Frozen the most popular review when it came out in theaters, but I do point out opportunities when I see them.
Either way, comment below and let me know. And don’t eat the yellow snow.
-David Dunn
SOURCES: Cinemablend, Empire
DAVID DUNN 