The animated franchises that are coming back sooner than you think
Kung Fu Panda, Frozen, and more
Welcome to Gen Z Translator, where I break down trending topics on Fridays. If you’re new, you can subscribe here and follow me on X/Twitter or Threads. Views are my own. Happy reading!
Have you ever thought to yourself, “Gee, I really need a Toy Story 5?”
Well, Disney thinks you do. Here are some familiar franchises with updates coming in the next couple years. Are these additions relevant and/or necessary? We can discuss after we dish out our reviews.
Some details and a few of my thoughts:
Kung Fu Panda 4
I’m genuinely excited about this one. The characters always make me laugh and the background music satisfies. If you didn’t get a warm fuzzy feeling and perhaps a step up to nirvana from the first movie, you didn’t watch it right. The last film was in 2016, so I am a bit surprised they have another on the way. Catch me in the theater.
It’s set to release March 8, 2024.
Source: Uproxx
Despicable Me 4
Gru has…a baby?! I honestly feel betrayed. I thought his gorls were enough.
I also like to pretend minions don’t make me laugh, but who are we kidding? My younger brother was obsessed with minions when he was little, so even though they’re annoying, I have a bit of a soft spot. The probability I watch this is 50-50.
It’s set to release July 3, 2024.
Source: IMDb
Inside Out 2
The first Inside Out was lovingly told to help kids – and adults – get in touch with the existence of their emotions. It’s really beautiful when an animated film is able to cross that bridge between childhood and adulthood. (Shoutout to Soul).
And now, we’re getting anxiety?! Helloooo. Can’t wait for myself and all the other anxious girlies to feel seen. I hope I watch this one, but at what point is the question.
Coming June 14, 2024.
Source: IGN
Moana 2
I feel like we haven’t heard from Disney’s princesses in a while. I hope we get another banger soundtrack and stunning visuals. I love a good a sea creature and strong female characters. Hopefully I remember to watch this when it comes out, but it might make a good holiday vacation movie.
Your magic date is November 27, 2024.
Source: IGN
Zootopia 2
Zootopia is a fun, well-executed concept. I don’t remember much from the first one, but I remember finding the animals cute and the plot entertaining. I’m honestly surprised it’s taken them this long to make another. The universe has so much potential, and I don’t think we can take a Sing 3. Oh wait…
This sequel is set to come out in 2025.
Source: IGN
Toy Story 5
Sure, this franchise is a classic. The second was honestly better than the first, but after that, it started to drag on. I wish they had quit while they were ahead. I did like how the toys are being passed down, but the further they get from home, the more I question how likely it is toys actually come alive when we’re not looking. (Don’t worry, I’m still a believer. For now).
It’s set to release in 2026.
Source: Screen Rant
Frozen 3
I loved Frozen 1 and Frozen 2. (The second one did make me cry). The animation is always gorgeous and as a perfectionist, Enneagram 1w2, I relate to Enneagram 1 Elsa and Enneagram 2 Anna. A third one, though? They’ll have to really sell me on the plot, but I’ll watch.
I’ll have to wait until 2026.
Source: Screen Rant
Honorable mentions: Shrek, Sing
Shrek is just rumors, rumors. Do we need more ogre babies? Not really, though I might be old enough now to appreciate the humor instead of finding it creepy. But maybe not.
And dear Lord in heaven, please. Not another Sing movie. I was forced to watch the first one while babysitting, and I can’t remember why I’ve seen the second, but I’m sure it was involuntary. Suffering through a third would not end well for me.
Source: Dexerto, Screen Rant
My weekly roundup:
🎶 What I’m Listening To: Spotify’s ever-changing daylist! I should’ve written something about it when it first came out, but alas, I took a sick day
🎞️ What I’m Watching: Just finished the Gilded Age with my mom. Loved it
📱 What I’m Scrolling: Been on Threads a bit more lately