Summary
Many have theorized thatFrozen IIIwill see the return of one villainous character, yet a recent update fromD23means that this hypothesis may not come to fruition.Frozen IIIis the highly anticipated sequelto Disney’s animated smash hits,FrozenandFrozen II.As one ofDisney’s highest-grossing animated franchises, the bar is quite high when it comes to this third installment. Even though the movie is slated for release in 2027, audiences are still eager to hear more. Fortunately, a recent update from Disney gave viewers plenty to chew on for the next three years.
At D23, Disney showcased some big updates about their most exciting upcoming movies. One such update was the reveal of concept art forFrozen III.The first piece showed Elsa, Anna, and Olaf on horseback, riding toward a glowing city in the clouds. The art offered glimpses of Anna and Elsa’s newest looks, and also hinted at the sisters' next big adventure. The second piece of concept art depicted Elsa pulling Anna across a frozen lake as a snowflake design spread out beneath them. Overall, these served up majorhints atFrozen III’splot, including the franchise’s next villain.
Where Elsa Goes At The End Of Frozen 2 & What It Means For Frozen 3
Elsa rides off to a distant land at the end of Frozen 2, but where is she going, and how will her departure impact the plot of the upcoming Frozen 3?
Frozen 3 Concept Art Teases A New Villain For Disney’s Sequel
Who Is The Horned Shadow In Frozen 3?
One notable detail that stood out from the first piece ofFrozen IIIconcept artwas a shadowy figure following Elsa, Anna, and Olaf to the floating city. This figure was reflected in the river that Elsa rode through, and they had some interesting features. For one thing, the shadow had two horns coming out of its head as if wearing a Viking helmet. The shadow also carried a spear and seemed to be a very broad, warrior type of individual. ThoughAnna and Elsa were seemingly unaware of the person following them, the villain will show their face eventually.
Ultimately, this detail raises big questions about whoFrozen III’svillain will be. Based on their shadow alone, audiences can make countless guesses about who they are and where they came from. The most intriguing theory is that this person is some type of Viking or warrior.SinceFrozen’ssetting is inspired by old Scandinavian kingdoms, it would make sense that a viking could appearin theFrozenuniverse. Yet,Frozen IIIcould just as easily have another explanation for the villain’s appearance. Regardless, Anna and Elsa are definitely in imminent danger in the third installment.
Frozen 3’s New Sequel May Debunk Theories About Hans Returning
Two Frozen 3 Villains May Be Too Much
Another effect ofFrozen III’sconcept art is that it debunks a popular theory about the return of Hans. Over time, many audience members have been of the belief thatFrozen’soriginal villain, Hans, is going to returninFrozen III.This theory comes from the fact that, afterFrozen’sending, Hans fully disappears. Yet, his character has a lot more story to offer, especially when it comes to his origins and the abuse he faced from his 12 older brothers as explored in the official tie-in novelA Frozen Heart.This unrealized potential left many viewers feeling thatHans' return would benefitFrozen III.
Unfortunately, the Hans theory can probably be considered debunked, at least forFrozen III.
However, now that theFrozen IIIconcept art has been revealed, it seems less likely that Hans is the new movie’s villain. While it is certainly possible that it is Hans under those horns, it seems strange that the movie would disguise him in such a way. It is more likely that the horned shadow is a different being altogether. Furthermore,Hans could still play a role inFrozen III,but having two villains would likely be too muchfor just one movie. Unfortunately, the Hans theory can probably be considered debunked, at least forFrozen III.
Why Frozen 3 Shouldn’t Bring Back Hans
Frozen 3 Would Benefit From Something New
In the end, it is probably for the best that Hans is not the villain ofFrozen III.Although the return of Hans would be exciting, he isn’t necessarily the scariest villain.Most of Hans' power came from deception, and it seems unlikely that Anna and Elsa would fall for his charm again. On top of that,Frozenis in need of a big, bad villain.Frozen IIdidn’t really have a villain, so the franchise needs a new threat. It is better forFrozen IIIto focus on a new type of evil rather than go back to Hans.
It is confirmed that Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Josh Gad, and Jonathan Groff will be returning forFrozen III.
In the end,Frozen III’sconcept art may debunk the Hans theory, but it also hints at a very exciting future for the beloved franchise. Considering how long it takes for newFrozenmovies to be made, it is thrilling to even get a glimpse at where the story is headed next. The promise of a truly threatening villain makes this even better. Hopefully,Frozen IIIwill makeFrozen II’slack of a true villain worth it.
Frozen 3
Cast
Frozen 3 is the follow-up to the highly successful Frozen 2, released back in 2019 by Walt Disney Pictures and Animation Studios. The film was announced on June 15, 2025, The film is a direct sequel to the second film’s events and also cast Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell to reprise their roles as Elsa and Anna.
