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Disney's Frozen 2 Cut: Bob Iger Fears Kids Might Fear Death

Jan 16, 2025 4:49 PM

In a fascinating reveal from Josh Gad's memoir, it has come to light that Olaf's original death scene in Frozen 2 was far more traumatic than what audiences saw in theaters. Test screenings demonstrated that children found the initial version, where Olaf expressed fear and confusion, too distressing. Disney CEO Bob Iger intervened, emphasizing the inappropriateness of depicting a scared child character in such a manner. Ultimately, the scene was rewritten to portray Olaf in a peaceful state as he comforted Anna before his eventual fade. This creative pivot not only protected younger viewers but also contributed to the film's success, grossing approximately $1.5 billion worldwide. Looking ahead, Frozen 3 is set to premiere on November 24, 2027.

What was the original death scene of Olaf in Frozen 2 like?

The original death scene of Olaf depicted him as scared and confused, which alarmed child test audiences. It was later altered to show Olaf in a peaceful state, comforting Anna, to better suit the film's younger demographic.

Frozen 2 is the sequel to Disney's wildly successful Frozen, released in 2013. The franchise celebrates themes of sisterhood, bravery, and the magic of love and friendship. It features beloved characters like Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf, who continue to resonate with audiences of all ages. The anticipated Frozen 3 promises to carry forward the story and its meaningful messages, making fans eager for its arrival.



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Casey Loh

Casey Loh is a tech-savvy writer who specializes in the intersection of gaming and technology. With a background in computer science, Casey brings a technical lens to her reviews, breaking down the nuts and bolts of game engines, graphics, and AI innovation.

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N3rdo N3rdo commented on: 2025-01-16 17:12:02
It’s wild how much can change in the creative process, especially when you realize how sensitive young audiences can be. This just goes to show that even the biggest studios have to stay in tune with their viewers; it’s all about balance between storytelling and emotional impact
Stimpy Stimpy commented on: 2025-01-16 17:00:05
It’s interesting to see how creative choices in storytelling can really shape a film’s reception, especially for younger audiences. The shift to make Olaf's death more comforting really highlights Disney's commitment to balance emotional depth with age-appropriate content, and it will be exciting to see how they continue that with Frozen 3
Miss Peachy Miss Peachy commented on: 2025-01-16 16:54:03
It's fascinating how storytelling can evolve, especially when it comes to creating content for younger audiences. The choice to shift Olaf's death scene not only protected kids but also ensured the film resonated with its core themes of love and comfort—definitely a smart move for Disney
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