Disney is banking heavily on the “Frozen” franchise and is entering a new era of high-stakes investment. Multiple reports, including an exclusive from TheWrap, confirm that Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, and Josh Gad have each signed landmark compensation packages worth over $60 million to return for “Frozen 3” and “Frozen 4”. The deals are believed to be among the highest ever negotiated for performers in an animated film series. Disney needs “Frozen” to do well after Marvel and Star Wars have tanked.
According to the reports, the payouts include upfront fees paired with additional performance-based bonuses tied to box office returns for both sequels. Disney has declined to publicly comment, but industry insiders note that each actor earned roughly $15 million for Frozen 2, making the new agreements a dramatic escalation that reflects the franchise’s enormous commercial power.
Keep in mind this is for two films, not just one.
“Frozen” Is Worth Billions
“Frozen” remains one of Disney Animation’s most valuable properties.
The original “Frozen” film in 2013 made $1.28 billion at the worldwide box office and became a cultural phenomenon.
“Frozen 2” surpassed its predecessor in 2019 with $1.45 billion, making it the highest-grossing animated film of all time, till it was later pushed out.
After the success of “Inside Out 2,” Disney is going all in on sequels, hoping for box office success. Payouts of this size mean that Disney is putting their hopes on these two films.
Jennifer Lee Returns to Direct
Jennifer Lee, who directed both prior films and serves as Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios, is returning to direct these two films. Her continued involvement is expected to help keep the films consistent in world-building and tone. If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.
With production underway and the original creative and vocal team reunited, Disney is preparing to deliver the most ambitious entries in the Frozen saga yet.
I am hoping the films will be as magical as the first two. For the prices they are paying, it needs to be.
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