Disney fans may have noticed a significant shift in the studio’s release schedule. The entertainment giant has replaced a previously planned Star Wars film with the sixth installment of the popular Ice Age franchise. Ice Age 6 is now officially scheduled to hit theaters on December 18, 2026, taking over the prime holiday release slot vacated by a previously scheduled untitled Star Wars project.
The upcoming sequel brings exciting news for fans of the prehistoric animated series. Reports indicate that the original voice cast is returning, including Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Queen Latifah, Denis Leary, and Simon Pegg. This marks the first Ice Age film since Disney acquired 20th Century Fox (now 20th Century Studios), giving the House of Mouse control over this beloved franchise.
While specific plot details remain under wraps, production is already underway. The film’s holiday release date suggests Disney has high expectations for this sequel, positioning it as a major family entertainment option for the 2026 Christmas season.
The Return of a Beloved Franchise
After a decade-long hiatus, the Ice Age franchise is set to make a grand return to theaters with its sixth installment, scheduled for release on December 18, 2026. This announcement has reignited excitement among fans who have followed the prehistoric adventures of Manny, Sid, Diego, and their quirky herd for over 20 years.
Original Cast Reunites
In a move that has thrilled longtime followers, the original voice cast is officially back. Ray Romano returns as Manny the woolly mammoth, John Leguizamo reprises his role as the goofy and lovable Sid the sloth, Denis Leary returns as the gruff but loyal saber-toothed tiger Diego, Queen Latifah is back as Ellie, and Simon Pegg returns as the ever-energetic weasel Buck. Their reunion ensures that the heart, humor, and chemistry that defined the franchise remain intact.
Production Under New Stewardship
This marks the first Ice Age feature produced without Blue Sky Studios, which was closed in 2021. Now under the banner of 20th Century Animation, a Disney-owned division, the production is forging ahead with a new creative team that’s aiming to both honor the original spirit of the series and bring in fresh storytelling elements. Despite the studio change, the tone, style, and emotional core of Ice Age are expected to stay true to what fans have come to love.
A Decade in the Making
It’s been nearly ten years since Ice Age: Collision Course hit theaters in 2016. While some fans thought that might be the end of the franchise, Disney has made it clear that there’s still plenty of story left to tell. Whether it’s the formation of a new herd, a long-lost relative, or another wacky cosmic event, this sixth film is positioned to build on past storylines while venturing into new terrain.
What to Expect from Ice Age 6
While plot details are still under wraps, early reports suggest that the new movie will feature a mix of returning favorites and brand-new characters. Expect plenty of the slapstick humor and heartfelt moments that have defined the series from the beginning. Given the franchise’s history of combining prehistoric themes with unexpected sci-fi twists, fans shouldn’t be surprised if Ice Age 6 raises the stakes with even more imaginative settings and challenges.
Visually, advances in animation technology mean the film will likely feature more detailed environments, improved character expressions, and a level of polish that exceeds previous installments. And with Disney’s resources backing it, marketing and merchandising are expected to be extensive, setting the stage for a major winter blockbuster release.
A Holiday Blockbuster in the Making
Set for release on December 18, 2026, Ice Age 6 will hit theaters right in the middle of the holiday movie season. That timing positions it as a major family-friendly option during one of the busiest times of the year at the box office. With a loyal multi-generational fanbase and renewed momentum behind the franchise, this could mark a major comeback for a series that once dominated animated film.
As the countdown begins, Ice Age 6 is shaping up to be more than just a nostalgic return—it’s the next big chapter in a story that still has plenty of life left in it.
Key Takeaways
- Ice Age 6 will release on December 18, 2026, replacing a previously scheduled Star Wars film.
- The original voice cast including Ray Romano and John Leguizamo is returning for the sequel.
- Disney is positioning the film as a major holiday release, showing confidence in the Ice Age franchise’s continued appeal.
Official Announcement and Release Date
Disney has officially confirmed that “Ice Age 6” will replace a previously scheduled Star Wars film in the December 18, 2026 release slot. The announcement has generated significant buzz among animation fans and industry insiders alike.
D23 Expo Reveal
Disney made the initial announcement about “Ice Age 6” at the D23 Expo, revealing that the beloved prehistoric franchise would be returning to theaters. The studio later confirmed that the film would take over the December 18, 2026 date previously held by an unnamed Star Wars project.
The original voice cast will be returning for this sixth installment. Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Queen Latifah, Denis Leary, and Simon Pegg are all set to reprise their roles as the prehistoric gang of misfits.
Production on “Ice Age 6” is already underway, though plot details remain scarce at this time. The December release date positions the film as Disney’s major family offering for the 2026 holiday season.
Expected Box Office Performance
The “Ice Age” franchise has historically performed well at the box office, with the previous five films collectively generating over $3.2 billion worldwide. The highest-grossing entry was “Ice Age: Continental Drift” (2012), which earned $877 million globally.
Industry analysts predict “Ice Age 6” could potentially reach similar heights, especially with the prime holiday release date. December has traditionally been a strong period for family films.
The franchise’s international appeal is particularly noteworthy. Previous “Ice Age” films have often earned 75-80% of their total from markets outside North America, making it one of Disney’s most reliable global performers.
The strategic placement of “Ice Age 6” in the December slot shows Disney’s confidence in the property’s drawing power against other holiday competition.
Cast and Characters
The sixth installment of the popular Ice Age franchise will bring back the beloved voices that fans have grown to love over the years. Disney has officially confirmed several returning cast members who will reprise their iconic roles in the 2026 release.
Returning Voice Talents
Ray Romano will return as the voice of Manny, the woolly mammoth who leads the prehistoric herd. John Leguizamo is set to reprise his role as Sid the Sloth, the lovable but clumsy character who provides much of the series’ comedy.
Queen Latifah has been confirmed to return as Ellie, Manny’s supportive mammoth wife. Denis Leary will once again voice Diego, the saber-toothed tiger known for his dry wit and protective nature.
Simon Pegg will return as Buck, the one-eyed weasel adventurer who became a fan favorite after his introduction in “Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs.” His character received a standalone spin-off with “The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild” in 2022.
New Additions to the Cast
While Disney has confirmed the return of the main voice actors, information about new cast members joining Ice Age 6 remains limited. The studio has not yet announced any fresh voices that will join the prehistoric adventure.
Based on previous sequels, we can expect several new characters to be introduced. Typically, each Ice Age film brings in new animal species and personalities to expand the prehistoric world.
The franchise has a history of attracting notable Hollywood talents for supporting roles. Previous installments featured voices from stars like Jennifer Lopez, Wanda Sykes, and Josh Peck.
More casting announcements will likely be made as the 2026 release date approaches.
Plot and Setting
Disney has not yet revealed much about the plot for Ice Age 6. The film will likely continue the adventures of “The Herd” – the lovable group of prehistoric animals that fans have followed through previous films.
After the events of “Collision Course,” which dealt with a cosmic threat, the new film might return to more grounded adventures. The Ice Age franchise typically balances family themes with action-packed quests.
Most Ice Age films follow a pattern:
- A threat to the characters’ way of life
- A journey to overcome this threat
- Personal growth and strengthened bonds among “The Herd”
The setting will presumably remain in the prehistoric era, though the franchise has previously explored different landscapes including:
- Icy tundras
- Lush jungles
- Underground dinosaur worlds
- Ocean environments
The timeframe between the announcement and release suggests Disney is investing significant resources into creating a compelling narrative. This extended production schedule often indicates complex worldbuilding and story development.
Fan speculation suggests we might see new additions to “The Herd” family, particularly since family dynamics have been central to the emotional core of previous films.
Production and Development
Disney has officially begun development on Ice Age 6, targeting a December 18, 2026 theatrical release. The project marks a significant revival for the franchise that has been dormant since 2016’s “Ice Age: Collision Course.”
Creative Direction
Simon Kinberg has joined the production team as executive producer, bringing his experience from major franchises to help shape the creative direction of Ice Age 6. The film will reunite the original voice cast including Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Queen Latifah, Denis Leary, and Simon Pegg, maintaining the franchise’s familiar character dynamics.
Disney acquired the Ice Age property when they purchased 20th Century Fox in 2019. This will be the first Ice Age film produced entirely under Disney’s ownership through 20th Century Animation.
The creative team aims to balance nostalgia for longtime fans while introducing fresh storylines for new audiences. Story details remain limited, but the holiday release timing suggests Disney has high confidence in the project’s appeal.
Animation and Design
The production will leverage advanced animation technology that has evolved significantly since the last installment. 20th Century Animation is leading the visual development, with a focus on maintaining the distinctive character designs while updating the environmental rendering.
Early production art suggests a visual style that honors the original films while incorporating more detailed textures and lighting effects. The animation team has grown from previous productions, allowing for more complex scenes and character interactions.
The film’s visual development began in early 2024, with full production ramping up through 2025. The extended production schedule allows the animation team to refine the technical aspects that will bring the prehistoric world to life with enhanced detail.
Historical Franchise Success
The Ice Age series stands as one of the most profitable animated franchises in film history, having grossed over $3.2 billion worldwide across five films. “Ice Age: Collision Course,” the previous installment, earned $408 million globally despite mixed reviews.
The franchise’s consistent box office performance likely motivated Disney to revive the series after acquiring 20th Century Fox’s film assets. The Ice Age brand extends beyond films into merchandise, theme park attractions, and television specials.
Disney’s decision to schedule Ice Age 6 for the lucrative holiday season of 2026 reflects their strategic positioning of the film as a major family entertainment offering. The release date actually replaces a previously planned Star Wars film, highlighting Disney’s confidence in the Ice Age brand’s continuing market power.
Frequently Asked Questions
Disney has shared some key details about the upcoming Ice Age 6 film. Fans are curious about the release timeline, returning cast members, and how this sequel fits with previous adventures.
What is the expected release date for Ice Age 6?
Ice Age 6 is scheduled to release on December 18, 2026. This date was originally reserved for an untitled Star Wars film, but Disney has since replaced it with the next Ice Age installment.
The holiday season release suggests Disney expects this animated feature to perform well during the family-friendly winter movie season.
Who are the voice actors announced for the Ice Age 6 cast?
Several original cast members are confirmed to return for Ice Age 6. Ray Romano will reprise his role as Manny the mammoth, alongside John Leguizamo as Sid the sloth.
Queen Latifah is returning as Ellie, while Denis Leary will voice Diego the saber-toothed tiger again. Simon Pegg is also confirmed to return as Buck the weasel.
Will Ice Age 6 continue the story from the previous films?
While specific plot connections haven’t been fully revealed, Ice Age 6 is expected to maintain continuity with the earlier films. The franchise typically follows the same group of prehistoric animals as they navigate various challenges.
Each previous sequel has built upon the relationships and world established in earlier movies, suggesting this installment will likely continue that tradition.
Can we anticipate any new characters in Ice Age 6?
Disney hasn’t officially announced any new characters for Ice Age 6 yet. However, each previous Ice Age film has introduced memorable new additions to the prehistoric world.
Based on the franchise pattern, fans can reasonably expect some fresh faces to join the beloved core group of characters, though specific details remain under wraps.
How does Ice Age 6 fit into Disney’s broader animated film strategy?
The Ice Age franchise came under Disney’s ownership after the company acquired 20th Century Fox. By prioritizing Ice Age 6 over a Star Wars film for the valuable December 2026 release slot, Disney demonstrates confidence in the animated series.
This sequel represents Disney’s continued investment in established animation properties with proven global appeal and merchandising potential.
Has Disney revealed any plot details or teasers for Ice Age 6?
Disney hasn’t shared specific plot details or released any teasers for Ice Age 6 yet. The film is still in early production stages, with nearly two years remaining before its scheduled release.
More information about the story, new characters, and first-look images will likely emerge as the production progresses closer to the 2026 release date.
