Directed by Kelsey Mann, Pixar Animation Studios’ animated coming-of-age movie Inside Out 2 is a sequel to 2015’s Inside Out and follows the story of Riley’s emotions, who is now in her teenage years. Her emotions, including joy, sadness, fear, disgust, and anger, are now joined by new emotions, anxiety, envy, embarrassment, and ennui, which set the stage for the changes that Riley will be going through in her teenage years.
Upon release, the movie received positive comments from critics as well as the audience, becoming the highest-grossing movie of 2024. Inside Out 2’s success also marks it as the highest-grossing Pixar movie in history. The movie was highly appreciated for its storyline, the depiction of the emotions, and the color palette. But recently announced Disney movies are expected to give Inside Out 2 a tough competition.
Frozen 3 aiming to take highest-grossing animated movies’ throne back from Inside Out 2?
At the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, Walt Disney Pictures announced that the beloved characters, Elsa voiced by Idina Menzel and Anna voiced by Kristen Bell, will return for more adventures in 2027 in Frozen III. The upcoming movie is expected to bring in fresh songs and stories while continuing what the sisters started with 2013’ Frozen. (via Deadline)
Filmmaker Jennifer Lee shared with the audience that there were a lot of questions that came out in Frozen 2, and they plan to answer all of those, but it will take two movies to do that. Lee, however, did not comment on whether there will be Frozen 4 or not, but announced that Frozen III will come out in 2027.
A concept art featuring Elsa and Anna on their respective horses riding towards a castle made of light floating in the sky was shared. In the concept art, darkness can also be seen along with a devil-like shadow holding a spear and lurking nearby. Not much was shared about the movie, but fans are excited to watch the third installment of one of their favorite franchises on screen.
Recently, Pixar Animation’s Inside Out 2 surpassed Frozen 2 to become the highest-grossing animated movie of all time, grossing over $1.462 billion (via IGN). Frozen had earned about $1.280 billion, while the sequel went on to gross $1.56 billion at the box office. Walt Disney decided to pass the mantle from Frozen to Inside Out by sharing a cross-over image and writing,
Everyone from Arendelle and Walt Disney Animation Studios is sending warm hugs to all of Pixar Animations on their incredible achievement, as Inside Out 2 becomes animation’s biggest movie ever.
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Inside Out 2 also became the 13th highest-grossing movie in global box office history. The success of Inside Out 2 came as a big win for Pixar after it dealt with various challenges related movie releases. It featured Maya Hawke, Amy Poehler, and more. The bar for Frozen III is high, thanks to Inside Out 2, so fans wonder if the movie will be able to regain its throne or if Inside Out 2 will continue to rule.
Brad Bird to direct The Incredibles 3 under at Pixar Animation
Apart from Frozen III, Pixar Animation Studios announced at the D23 Expo that the studios are in development of The Incredibles 3 (Via Variety) Filmmaker Brad Bird, who had worked on The Incredibles and The Incredibles 2, is returning for the third installment of the movie. The studios provided no more details.
The Incredibles was released in 2004, and followed the lives of superhero couple Bob and Helen, known as Mr. Incredible and Elastic Girl. At the time of release, the movie not only earned positive comments but also became the fourth highest-grossing movie of 2004. Its sequel, Incredibles 2, was released in 2018 and grossed over $1.2 billion worldwide. It also managed to set the record for the best debut for an animated movie.
It became the 15th highest-grossing movie of all time and was known to be the highest-grossing animated movie until the release of Inside Out 2. With Brad Bird’s return as a director of the movie, fans can expect the same blend of humor, action, and family dynamics. The logo for the third installment was also revealed.
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At the same convention, the trailer for the live-action remake of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was also released. The movie stars Rachel Zegler as Snow White and the new Evil Queen Gal Gadot. The movie is scheduled for release in March 2025.
Frequently asked questions
Is Brad Bird still directing The Incredibles 3?
No. Bird directed The Incredibles (2004) and Incredibles 2 (2018), but Pixar announced on June 10, 2025 that Peter Sohn, director of Elemental, is now directing The Incredibles 3. Bird remains closely involved, writing the screenplay and producing alongside Dana Murray, having stepped back from directing due to his commitment to Skydance’s Ray Gunn.
What made Inside Out 2 such a big box office success, and does it still hold the record?
Directed by Kelsey Mann, Inside Out 2 became the highest-grossing movie of 2024 and the highest-grossing Pixar film ever, pulling in nearly $1.7 billion worldwide and passing Frozen 2’s $1.28 billion to become, at the time, the highest-grossing animated movie ever and the 13th highest-grossing film in global box office history. Critics and audiences praised its story, emotional depth, and visual style. That animated-film record has since changed hands, though: China’s Ne Zha 2 overtook Inside Out 2’s total in February 2025 and now holds the title.
When is Frozen 3 coming out and who is involved?
Frozen III was announced at Disney’s D23 Expo and is reportedly slated for a 2027 release. Filmmaker Jennifer Lee is attached, with Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell reported to return as the voices of Elsa and Anna. Lee said unresolved questions left over from Frozen 2 will be addressed, but that it will reportedly take more than one additional film to answer them all.
