One of the most heartwarming parts of the Frozen franchise is the sisterly bond between Anna (Kristen Bell) and Elsa (Idina Menzel). Although the duo is very different from one another — just like many sisters in real life! — their love for one another always overcomes anything that threatens to come between them.
In fact, at the end of the megahit first movie — Disney’s Frozen (2013) — Elsa’s love for her little sister is what finally thaws Anna’s frozen heart, and ultimately helps Elsa understand how to control her ice powers. Spoiler alert – love is the key!
But, as it turns out, there was almost a world in which Anna and Elsa weren’t sisters in the Frozen franchise! As unbelievable as that is to imagine now, it’s true.
Business Insider went on to share additional information about the villainous version of Queen Elsa, who was set to have “spiky blue hair” and a “coat made of living weasels”:
“Elsa was going to be the complete antagonist,” says director and screenwriter Jennifer Lee in the book “The Art of Frozen.” “They kept calling her the ‘villain.’ But there came a point where we said, ‘We can’t use that word anymore.’ You care about someone who’s been forces to hide who they are. Elsa’s not a villain, she just makes some bad choices because she’s in a very difficult situation.”
According to the ABC special, a big push for the character’s redesign came from songwriter husband and wife duo Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez who were working on a song to go with the character.
As you can see in the early Frozen concept art [above] Anna’s look remained largely the same throughout the Disney film production process, but Elsa changed significantly, ultimately becoming the iconic character we know and love today.
At this time, while rumors continue to circulate about the possibility of a Frozen 3, nothing has been confirmed by Walt Disney Animation Studios. You can currently watch Frozen, Frozen II, and Olaf’s Frozen Adventure on the Disney+ streaming platform anytime.
Fearless optimist Anna teams up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven in an epic journey to find Anna’s sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, will the trio find Elsa in time to save Arendelle?
Why was Elsa born with magical powers? What truths about the past await Elsa as she ventures into the unknown to the enchanted forests and dark seas beyond Arendelle? The answers are calling her but also threatening her kingdom. Together with Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven, she’ll face a dangerous. but remarkable journey. In Frozen, Elsa feared her powers were too much for the world. In Frozen 2, she must hope they are enough.
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Credit: Disney
