During D23, Disney’s ultimate fan expo, a panel shared exciting insights about Frozen 3, hinting that one of the prevalent fan theories regarding Elsa’s powers may be officially dispelled in the upcoming film. When the first Frozen debuted in 2013, nobody, not even Disney, could have anticipated its remarkable success. Loosely inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s 1844 fairy tale “The Snow Queen,” Frozen tells the story of sisters Elsa (Idina Menzel) and Anna (Kristen Bell). Initially, the sisters are inseparable, but a mishap with Elsa’s ice powers leads their parents to isolate Elsa, creating a rift between them.
Years later, as their parents disappear at sea, Elsa prepares for her coronation. In the 2013 film, Elsa learns to accept her true self—including both the positive and negative aspects of her icy abilities—and the sisters heal their relationship. The 2019 sequel, Frozen 2, sees the sisters venturing into an enchanted forest to uncover more about Elsa’s abilities. However, while Frozen 2 reveals much about their mother, Iduna (Evan Rachel Wood), and sees Elsa connecting with magical spirits, it leaves several questions unanswered regarding the source of Elsa’s powers.
Frozen 3 Tease Indicates Elsa’s Powers Do Not Stem From Her Parents
A Leading Fan Theory Suggests Elsa’s Powers Came from Her Mother
One widely held theory in the Frozen fan community posits that Elsa’s powers are inherited from her mother’s lineage. However, recent revelations about Frozen 3 may challenge this notion. In Frozen 2, Elsa hears a mysterious voice guiding her toward the Enchanted Forest, home to the Northuldra people, which has been veiled in mist for years. Along their journey, Elsa and Anna find out that their mother, Iduna, belonged to the Northuldra.
At Ahtohallan, it is revealed that Elsa is the long-lost fifth spirit, the connection between the human world and the realm of spirits.
As they navigate the forest, Elsa and Anna encounter four elemental spirits representing air, water, fire, and earth, which seem lost. Throughout their adventure, Elsa soothes these spirits while continuing to follow the enigmatic voice to Ahtohallan, a magical glacier linked to her past. At Ahtohallan, it is disclosed that Elsa is the missing fifth spirit, bridging the human and spirit realms. Given that the Northuldra closely interacts with magical entities, fans have speculated that Elsa’s icy powers may come from her mother.
Jennifer Lee’s co-director, Chris Buck, will not return for Frozen 3 alongside her.
At D23, Jennifer Lee revealed exciting details about Frozen 3. According to her, the film will address many lingering questions, including the origins of Elsa’s magical powers and the fate of Frozen‘s antagonist, Hans (Santino Fontana). Lee indicated that one key question the film will explore is “Who granted Elsa her powers?” This wording suggests that Elsa’s powers may have been granted rather than inherited from Iduna, thereby potentially invalidating the longstanding theory.
Why Anna Lacks Powers Suggests Elsa’s Abilities Come from Another Source
Anna’s Absence of Powers Supports the Notion That Elsa’s Magic Originates Elsewhere
Before the release of Frozen 2, many viewers speculated that Anna would discover her own season-related powers based on the film’s autumn-themed trailer. If Elsa’s powers are not hereditary, it may explain why Anna does not exhibit any magical abilities. While there is still potential for Frozen 3 to incorporate Anna into the narrative involving elemental spirits, her journey could continue to serve as a contrast to Elsa’s. This suggests that Anna’s true strength lies in her non-magical attributes, proving that she doesn’t need magical powers to emerge as the hero.
Frozen 3 Might Still Attribute Elsa’s Powers to Her Parents
The Possibility of Elsa’s Parents Making a Deal for Her Powers
Although the original Frozen is among the highest-grossing animated films in Disney history, the creative team did not meticulously structure the franchise’s mythology, as explored in Into the Unknown: Making Frozen II. Hopefully, Disney has optimized its approach for Frozen 3, but given the unresolved plot points from Frozen 2, it wouldn’t be shocking if the next installment creates a narrative that ties Elsa’s powers to her parents. If Elsa’s abilities don’t stem from genetics, perhaps her parents made a deal with a magical entity, resulting in her unique ice powers.
Frozen 3 is set to premiere on November 24, 2027.
