Disney and 20th Century Animation announced at D23 Brazil that Ice Age 6 is officially happening. This latest instalment will receive a theatrical release, marking a significant return for the beloved franchise. The series was originally created by Blue Sky Studios, which Disney acquired as part of the 20th Century Fox merger. While Disney later closed Blue Sky, itâs clear the legacy of Ice Age lives on.
Returning Cast and New Adventures
Fans can look forward to hearing familiar voices, as original cast members Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Queen Latifah, Denis Leary, and Simon Pegg will all reprise their roles. Production is already underway on the new film, though details about the storyline are still under wraps.
The Success of the Ice Age Franchise
The Ice Age series has been a global success, grossing $3.2 billion across five films. However, like many franchises, each sequel has seen a gradual dip in box-office performance. The last film, Ice Age: Collision Course (2016), earned $408.5 million worldwide.
Beyond the main films, Ice Age has also expanded into short films and series, featuring iconic characters like the woolly mammoth, sloth, and sabre-toothed tiger. In 2022, Disney also released a spin-off, The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild, keeping the franchise alive.
A New Era for Ice Age Under Disney
This latest Ice Age film will be the first entry in the series since Disney acquired Blue Sky Studios. The original Ice Age film premiered in 2002, co-directed by Chris Wedge and Carlos Saldanha. With a script by Michael Berg, Michael J. Wilson, and Peter Ackerman, the film was a major success, grossing $383.3 million worldwide. The franchise reached its peak in 2009 with Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, which became the highest-grossing entry, earning over $886 million globally.
The Legacy of Blue Sky Studios
Blue Sky Studios was founded in 1987 by Chris Wedge, Michael Ferraro, Carl Ludwig, Alison Brown, David Brown, and Eugene Troubetzkoy. Disney closed Blue Sky in 2021, with Spies in Disguise being its final release under Disney, earning $172 million. However, Blue Skyâs last project, Nimona, was rescued by Annapurna and released by Netflix in 2023. The film earned an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature, securing a lasting legacy for Blue Sky.
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