Jared Bush Says ‘Frozen 3’ Will Surprise People and Talks About What’s in Store for ‘Encanto’s Future

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As a seasoned animator and storyteller, I find myself immersed in a magical realm where Disney characters are not just fictional beings but old friends. The past few years have been nothing short of enchanting as I’ve had the privilege to revisit beloved worlds and continue their captivating tales.

Back in 2016, I had the incredible privilege of being a part of the dynamic team that brought two fantastic movies from Walt Disney Animation to life – “Zootopia” and “Moana”. It was an unforgettable journey!

In the first instance, Bush served as both co-director and co-writer for an animated movie that takes place in an animal metropolis. The plot revolves around a cunning fox and a greenhorn bunny cop who join forces to expose a hidden conspiracy.

In the animated film titled “Moana: A Voyage Across the Sea“, we embark on Moana’s exciting journey where she encounters Maui, a formidable demigod who aids her in her mission to master the art of navigation. Accompanied by Maui, they traverse the ocean on an extraordinary and melodious voyage filled with adventure.

In time, Bush assumed control over and scripted the movie “Encanto“, which clinched the Oscar for Best Animated Feature in 2022. The story follows a Colombian girl who could be her family’s last chance when she uncovers that the enchantment shielding the Madrigal House, a dwelling that bestows children with special talents, is under threat.

In September 2024, Bush assumed the position of Chief Creative Officer at Walt Disney Animation Studios. He’s contributing to the script for “Moana 2” set to hit theatres nationwide on November 28, and he is also working as director and screenwriter for “Zootopia 2”, scheduled for release in national theatres on November 2025.

During his trip to Brazil for D23 Brazil, Bush discusses the upcoming features of “Moana 2”, “Zootopia 2”, and gives a glimpse into what we might anticipate from future Disney Animation productions, not forgetting to mention “Frozen 3” as well!

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but feel the impact that Moana has had on the gaming world, or at least the Disney one! This movie keeps popping up in my screen time stats, week after week. And it’s not just me – according to Nielsen’s data, it’s been a consistent hit for years now, racking up billions of hours on streaming platforms. It’s like this film has become an unstoppable force within the Disney universe!

At what point did it become clear to you that the concept for the Moana sequel was better suited as a feature film with a grand cinematic release, instead of a television series on Disney+? Since then, what adjustments have been made, and more specifically, when did this transition occur?

Initially, Jared Bush and his team were developing the sequel as a series for Disney+. However, around a year ago, they began to grasp the scale of the story they were crafting. It wasn’t just big, but huge! They recognized that Moana was embarking on a fresh, epic adventure. Given its grand scope, they decided it would be more fitting to showcase this tale on the largest screen available.

In essence, you can envision that we’re merely presenting the same tale in a fresh guise. To clarify, we didn’t make significant alterations to the narrative itself. This is Moana’s odyssey, it’s the call she receives from her ancestors to reconnect with the Ocean—it remains the journey she has embarked on thus far. For us [at Disney Animation], this was a remarkable chance to dive back in and create an extraordinary visual experience for this new phase of the story.

What three words would you use to summarize the upcoming Zootopia 2 experience for us? Also, is there a new favorite character you’ve developed while working on this sequel?

Jared Bush: Alright, let me start by addressing your previous query. My current favorite character hails from the series ‘Zootopia’, it’s none other than Gary, the snake! [voiced by the Academy Award-winning actor Ke Huy Quan, who was introduced at the U.S. D23 event in August]. Interestingly, Gary is a fresh face in the Zootopia universe, as reptiles were absent from the initial movie. However, this time around, we have one, and we’re spending more screen time with him. I won’t reveal any plot details, but let me tell you that Gary is utterly endearing, and I believe he’s going to leave many viewers pleasantly surprised.

Disney Animation has created numerous remarkable tales in recent times. As Chief Creative Officer, how have you been managing and juggling upcoming projects, whether they are original films or sequels? Can you provide any information about the Disney Animation movie slated for 2026? Will it be a follow-up or a new story?

Jared Bush shares that he’s working on the initial sequels for “Moana 2” and “Zootopia 2,” which he finds thrilling because he gets to revisit beloved characters that have been part of his life for over a decade. Moana, Maui, Nick, and Judy are like friends to him, and he cherishes the time spent with them. The chance to reenter these captivating worlds and expand their stories while surprising the audience with an unexpected journey is immensely satisfying for him.

As a fellow enthusiast, I can’t help but feel a sense of mystery about what lies ahead. Yet, I’m firmly convinced that we should strive to extend the tales of beloved films and introduce innovative, groundbreaking concepts on the silver screen. So, I guess it will be a blend of these elements.

At D23 in August, it was announced that Frozen 3 is expected to release in theaters in November 2027. Can you provide some information about this upcoming movie and share insights about the concept art that was unveiled during the event?

Jared Bush confirms: Absolutely! We’ve got plans for “Frozen 3.” The sneak peeks I’ve had suggest an unexpected turn. Unfortunately, I can’t share too much to avoid spoilers. However, let me tell you that Jennifer Lee is spearheading the project and the story she’s crafting for these characters will take you by surprise. It’s going to challenge what you know about them, but it will also maintain all the charm that made “Frozen” a favorite.

I’m really fond of Encanto! Thanks for introducing me to it. I wonder, what might the future hold for this wonderful world? Could there be a new Encanto film or perhaps a series on Disney+? When can we catch up with these characters once more?

Jared Bush: The movie, Encanto, holds a special place in my heart, along with all its delightful characters from the Madrigal family. To put it simply, I’d cherish the opportunity to linger longer at the Madrigal House and revisit Encanto. Here’s hoping that someday, we might get a chance to return.

Maybe, you could make the Madrigal family come spend some time in Brazil, just like you just did.

Jared Bush: Perfect! That’s it, I love [the idea]!

Source in Portuguese

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2024-11-14 09:44