Yes it's new animation from Disney, starring the characters from Frozen and all of the original actors who voiced them.
No, it's not a new movie. Though it is sort of a sequel.
Frozen Fever is a seven-minute short film that Disney is playing in theaters, attached to its live-action Cinderella. Set after the mega-hit movie, it's a little slice-of-what-life-is-like-after-Frozen among this new family unit consisting of Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven.
To illustrate their unusual dynamic, there's a portrait glimpsed in the short film that depicts all five characters in a way that's inspired by Awkward Family Photos. Here it is.
USA Today reports that the plot centers around Elsa's attempt to throw a big birthday party for her sister Anna. But it wouldn't be terribly entertaining if everything went according to plan, would it? The party hits a snag when Elsa catches a cold — and given her unique powers, it's safe to say that her control over all things ice and snow are going to go a little haywire.
You can also expect to see plenty of Olaf, who ought to be having the time of his life since Frozen Fever is set... wait for it... "in summer." Aka, the season Olaf wanted to experience so badly he sang a song about it.
Disney scored a goliath-sized win with Frozen, the 2013 animated movie that introduced audiences to the Nordic kingdom of Arendelle. Its terrific mix of likable characters, incredible animation and unforgettable songs catapulted it to the status of being the most successful animated film of all time.
Frozen Fever is, of course, just a little morsel to tide audiences over until the inevitable sequel arrives. No, Disney hasn't announced any such movie yet, but come on. You know it'll happen. (We love Disney as much as anybody, but it's no secret that ol' Mickey has turned "milking a cash cow" into an artform.) Not to mention more shorts, video games, books and the equally inevitable Broadway adaptation.
Kids will be excited by two of Frozen Fever's developments in particular:
1. There's a brand new song written by Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, who wrote all of Frozen's songs.
2. Both Elsa and Anna will sport brand new dresses, as you can see above. (Cue the doll makers!) As in Frozen, Elsa conjures her own dress out of ice — but this time it's a summer look.
Cinderella and Frozen Fever arrive in theaters on March 13, 2015. Don't be surprised if showings start selling out early, after this announcement.
