5 Things the Frozen 2 Filmmakers Revealed About Arendelle's Sequel

Walt Disney Animation Studios' filmmakers unpacked five key revelations about Frozen 2, including that it's only the studio's fourth sequel ever, features new mythical characters like the wind spirit Gale, and was inspired by research trips to Finland and Iceland. The sequel hit theaters November 22, 2019.

Ahead of Frozen 2's November 22, 2019 theatrical release, Walt Disney Animation Studios opened its doors for a deep dive into how the highly anticipated sequel came together. From its rare status in the studio's canon to the wind-spirit character that nearly broke the animation team, here are five things the filmmakers revealed about Elsa and Anna's next chapter.

A Rare Sequel from Walt Disney Animation Studios

Frozen 2 is only the fourth sequel ever released by Walt Disney Animation Studios. Producer Peter Del Vecho explained that the studio only makes sequels when the filmmakers themselves are driven by a story they have to tell. Lingering questions about where Elsa got her powers, combined with directors Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck's own fascinations, made this the right time to revisit Arendelle.

More Arendelle, Fall Colors, and Fairy-Tale Roots

Frozen 2 expands the world of Arendelle significantly. Art Director of Environments David Womersley said fans will see more of the village and even new areas of the castle. Production Designer Lisa Kenne noted that the back of the castle gets its first on-screen appearance. The season shifts to autumn, bringing harvest festival vibes and warm color palettes to the kingdom.

To research the film, the team traveled to Finland and Iceland, where settings around Lake Inari and Iceland's mythical landscapes shaped the visual language. "Fairy tales tell us that we can slay the dragon. And we heard that. We're like, that's Anna!" said Director of Story Marc Smith, explaining how fairy tale and mythology themes split neatly between the two sisters.

A Musical With Purpose and New Mythical Characters

Executive Music Producer Tom MacDougall emphasized that Frozen 2 remains a true musical, with songs like "Into the Unknown" doing heavy lifting to advance Elsa's emotional journey. Meanwhile, the film introduces a pantheon of new mythical characters: Earth Giants, a salamander, and Gale, a wind spirit rendered with debris, sticks, and leaves. Art Director Bill Schwab said the team had to invent creative solutions to answer a deceptively simple question: "How do you draw wind?"

What This Means for Disney+ Fans

Frozen 2 brings the ambition of a rare Disney Animation sequel along with a richer Arendelle, bold mythology, and soundtrack built to resonate as much as "Let It Go" did before it. When it eventually joins the Disney+ catalog, fans will have the full context behind a sequel years in the making.