TheFrozensagais about to get even cooler. As Disney gears up for more sequels to its billion-dollarFrozenfranchise, big changes are happening behind the scenes.Jennifer Lee, who previously served as the Chief Creative Officer (CCO) at Walt Disney Animation Studios, will be transitioning from her executive role to direct and writeFrozen 3, as well as co-writeFrozen 4withMarc Smith. Meanwhile, Oscar-winningEncantofilmmakerJared Bushhas been appointed as the new CCO of Walt Disney Animation Studios, effective immediately. This is a reverse in coursefollowing last year’s comments from Leein which she stated she wouldn’t take charge ofFrozen 3.
Lee has been a powerhouse at Disney Animation since 2011, serving as the creative forcebehind theFrozenfranchise. Lee’s tenure as CCO began in 2018, and during that time, she contributed to the studio’s recent hits likeEncantoandRaya and the Last Dragon. Now, she’s returning to her storytelling roots, taking on the director’s chair once again forFrozen 3and putting her pen to paper forFrozen 4.Frozen 3is already set for release on June 13, 2025.
Lee shared her excitement about stepping back into filmmaking, stating, “I am so grateful toBob IgerandAlan Bergmanfor supporting my decision to return to filmmaking full-time. Every day working with them is a master class in creativity, business, community, and integrity.” She added that collaborating with the studio’s artists, animators, and storytellers continues to be a privilege.
Who Is Replacing Jennifer Lee at Disney?
With Lee returning to her passion for directing,Encantodirector Bush has been named the new CCO of Walt Disney Animation Studios. Bush, a decade-long Disney vet, has animpressive track record that includes writing and directingEncanto, executive producingRaya and the Last Dragon, andco-directing the Oscar-winningZootopia. He’s set to steer Disney Animation’s creative output across films, series, and other projects. Bush expressed his gratitude, saying:
“Disney Animation is home to some of the greatest stories and characters of the past century, and I’m so excited to work with all of our filmmakers, artists, and Disney Animation team members as we shape the future of this legendary studio together.”
With theFrozensequels officially moving forward, Disney is gearing up for another round of box-office success. The last film,Frozen II, grossed $1.45 billion worldwide, cementing the franchise’s place in animation history. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates. You can watch the first twoFrozenmovies on Disney+.
When the newly crowned Queen Elsa accidentally uses her power to turn things into ice to curse her home in infinite winter, her sister Anna teams up with a mountain man, his playful reindeer, and a snowman to change the weather condition.
Watch on Disney+
