Idina Menzel backtracks on ‘Frozen’ sequel comments

Not so fast, “Frozen” fans: A rumored sequel to the blockbuster animated musical could still be on ice, according to Idina Menzel.

During an appearance on the “Today” show Monday morning to promote her new album “Holiday Wishes,” the 43-year-old actress, singer and Broadway star who voiced Elsa in “Frozen” backed off her recent comments that a sequel was “in the works” at Disney.

“I have no idea,” Menzel told “Today” when asked about a potential follow-up film. “I just assume that because it’s so successful that that’s what they’re up to.”

Last week, the U.K.’s Telegraph published an interview with Menzel in which she was asked what she could reveal about a “Frozen” sequel and the stage adaptation of the original film. Menzel said that “they’re all in the works, ha ha!”

As to whether she’d be onboard, Menzel said, “Ah, yeah sure. … Not the stage show — I don’t know what will happen with that — but the movie hopefully. We’ll see. I’m just going along for the ride.”

Whether Menzel was being presumptuous with those comments or accidentally spilled the beans, the notion of an eventual “Frozen” sequel seems like a no-brainer. The first movie, a loose retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s “Snow Queen,” has developed into an all-time powerhouse for Disney.

Released just over a year ago, “Frozen” won two Academy Awards, grossed more than $1.27 billion at the worldwide box office (making it the highest-grossing animated movie ever), dominated the album charts via its soundtrack, and spawned a slew of spinoff properties and merchandising opportunities.

During a conference call with analysts in May, Disney Chairman and Chief Executive Robert Iger said “Frozen” is now considered one of the company’s top five franchises. He added, “You can expect us to take full advantage of that over the next at least five years.”

For now, “Frozen” fans have the short film “Frozen Fever” to look forward to; it’s scheduled to hit theaters in the spring.

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