Kristen Bell, Josh Gad, and Idina Menzel are set to receive remarkable salaries for their return in “Frozen 3” and “Frozen 4,” with each actor reportedly signing deals worth over $60 million. This figure is unprecedented in the realm of animated films, far surpassing previous benchmarks set by industry icons like Tom Hanks and Eddie Murphy, who earned $20 million and $15 million respectively for their roles in “Toy Story 4” and “Shrek 2.”
The financial implications of such contracts raise questions about the overall production budgets for the upcoming sequels. With previous installments, “Frozen II” was produced for approximately $150 million, and speculation suggests that the budgets for “Frozen 3” and “Frozen 4” could reach $300 million or more given the extensive involvement of high-profile talent.
The Frozen franchise has proven to be one of Disney’s most lucrative assets. “Frozen II” earned an astounding $1.4 billion worldwide following the original film, which garnered an Academy Award and amassed $1.3 billion at the box office. The profitability of the franchise extends beyond film earnings, with merchandise sales estimated to generate around $11 billion.
The $60 million contracts for the new sequels represent a significant increase from the $15 million each actor earned for their roles in “Frozen II.” Notably, Bell, Gad, and Menzel will continue to lend their voices to beloved characters—Anna, Elsa, and Olaf—respectively. The return of Jennifer Lee, who directed the first two films, as director is anticipated to maintain the franchise’s high creative standards.
Scheduled for a Thanksgiving release in 2027, “Frozen 3” is expected to build on the franchise’s legacy, while a release date for “Frozen 4” remains unconfirmed. As the franchise continues to thrive, these ambitious financial commitments only highlight its enduring popularity and potential for future success.