Disney will make 'Frozen 2'; it's official

Disney Animation announced Thursday that a follow-up to the animated mega-hit “Frozen” — which raked in nearly $1.3 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 adorable 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- AFP