For more than a decade, Disney’s Frozen has continued to capture the hearts of audiences around the world, bringing us into the magical kingdom of Arendelle and introducing us to some of the most beloved characters in modern animation. And while there is certainly no shortage of excitement surrounding the future of the franchise, an all-new project is preparing to take audiences beyond the kingdom and into the real world to discover a little of the magic that inspired it.
National Geographic and Walt Disney Animation Studios have officially announced The Real Frozen, an upcoming natural history series that will bring together the breathtaking beauty of the natural world with the familiar characters and voices of Disney’s beloved animated franchise. And while this new adventure might look a little different from the stories audiences have come to know and love, there will be some very familiar faces helping guide us along the way.
Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad are all set to reprise their iconic roles from Frozen, bringing Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf into an entirely new kind of storytelling experience. Bell, Menzel and Groff will serve as narrators throughout the series, helping introduce viewers to the extraordinary animals and environments featured in each episode, while Gad will make special appearances as everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf.
But rather than following our favorite characters on another adventure through Arendelle, The Real Frozen will take audiences into the icy landscapes of Iceland, Finland, Norway and Sweden, where some truly remarkable animals have learned to survive in some of the harshest winter conditions on Earth.
Through the lives of these real-world animals, the series will explore themes that have become such an important part of the Frozen franchise, including courage, loyalty, resilience and the bonds that bring us together. From the challenges of surviving the winter to the relationships that help animals thrive in their environments, the upcoming series will offer families a chance to discover how some of the same themes that have made Frozen so meaningful can also be found throughout the natural world.
And for audiences who have grown up alongside Anna and Elsa, there is something especially exciting about seeing these characters become part of an experience that brings together entertainment and education. While Frozen has always embraced the beauty and wonder of its snowy surroundings, this new series will give viewers an opportunity to explore the real landscapes and wildlife that make these environments so extraordinary.
The project is also the latest addition to National Geographic’s growing The Real franchise, which brings familiar Disney storytelling into the world of natural history. Following the success of the Emmy-winning A Real Bug’s Life and the upcoming The Real Finding Nemo, the new series will continue introducing younger audiences to the wonders of the natural world through stories and characters they already know and love.
Produced by Silverback Films for National Geographic in collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios, The Real Frozen will be directed by Jeff Wilson, with Elisabeth Oakham and Katie Parsons serving as directors and producers across the series. Janet H. Vissering will serve as executive producer for National Geographic.
With the original voice cast returning and an entirely new world waiting to be explored, The Real Frozen is shaping up to be an exciting addition to the franchise, offering families a chance to experience the magic of Frozen in a way that brings them a little closer to the extraordinary world around us.
The Real Frozen, currently a working title, is set to premiere on National Geographic, with streaming availability on Disney+ and Hulu. An official release date has yet to be announced.