Disney has announced a major change to its movie release schedule. Ice Age 6 will hit theaters on December 18, 2026, replacing a previously planned Star Wars film. This move marks the continuation of the popular animated franchise, which has entertained audiences since 2002.
The Ice Age series follows a group of prehistoric animals on various adventures. It has become a beloved franchise for both children and adults. The sixth installment promises to bring back favorite characters and introduce new ones to the world of Ice Age.
This release date shift reflects Disney’s commitment to its animated properties. It also shows the ongoing appeal of the Ice Age franchise, even after multiple sequels. Fans can look forward to more prehistoric humor and heartwarming moments in this upcoming film.
Ice Age 6 (2026)
Get ready to chill out, because the Ice Age crew is back! After a decade-long freeze-out, Ice Age 6 is officially sliding into theaters on December 18, 2026. This is the first Ice Age movie since 2016’s Ice Age: Collision Course, and the first under the Disney umbrella.
What We Know (So Far)
Details are still under wraps, but here’s what we’ve gathered from the icy grapevine:
- Release Date: December 18, 2026
- Studio: Walt Disney Pictures (following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox)
- Expected Returning Characters: Manny, Sid, Diego, Ellie, Crash, Eddie, and Scrat (of course!)
- Possible Storylines: Fans speculate the movie might explore the prehistoric world post-asteroid, or maybe even delve into the origins of Scrat’s obsession with acorns.
A Look Back at the Ice Age Franchise
The Ice Age movies have been a mammoth success, grossing over \$3.2 billion worldwide. Here’s a quick recap of the herd’s adventures so far:
| Movie Title | Movie # | Release Date | Box Office Gross (Worldwide) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ice Age | 1 | 2002 | $383.3 million |
| Ice Age: The Meltdown | 2 | 2006 | $660.9 million |
| Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs | 3 | 2009 | $886.7 million |
| Ice Age: Continental Drift | 4 | 2012 | $877.2 million |
| Ice Age: Collision Course | 5 | 2016 | $408.6 million |
| Ice Age: 6 | 6 | 2026 | n/a |
Why We’re Excited
- Nostalgia: These movies have a special place in many hearts, reminding us of simpler times (and simpler animation!).
- Family Fun: Ice Age movies offer humor for all ages, making them perfect for family outings.
- Scrat’s Antics: Let’s be honest, Scrat’s chaotic pursuit of acorns is a highlight of the franchise. We can’t wait to see what trouble he gets into next!
Looking Ahead
While we wait for Ice Age 6, there’s plenty to keep fans occupied. Disney+ has a spin-off series called Ice Age: Scrat Tales, focusing on Scrat and his adorable son, Baby Scrat. It’s a fun way to get your Ice Age fix while we await the return of the herd.
Catch Up on the Ice Age Adventures
Missed out on the Ice Age fun or just want to relive the memories? All five Ice Age movies are available for streaming on Disney+. Now’s the perfect time to catch up before Ice Age 6 hits theaters!
Key Takeaways
- Ice Age 6 will be released on December 18, 2026
- The film replaces a previously scheduled Star Wars movie
- This release continues the popular animated franchise
Background and Development
The Ice Age franchise has evolved significantly since its inception. The series has expanded beyond theatrical releases to include spin-offs and streaming content, reflecting changes in the animation industry and audience preferences.
Historical Evolution of the Ice Age Franchise
Ice Age debuted in 2002, introducing audiences to Manny, Sid, and Diego. The film’s success led to multiple sequels, each building on the prehistoric world and its quirky characters. Blue Sky Studios, the original creator, produced five theatrical releases from 2002 to 2016. The franchise grew to include short films and TV specials, expanding its reach beyond cinemas.
Disney acquired 20th Century Fox in 2019, gaining control of the Ice Age property. This acquisition marked a turning point for the series. Disney closed Blue Sky Studios in 2021, shifting production to other studios under its umbrella.
Production Insights
The development of Ice Age 6 began in late 2024, with Disney and 20th Century Animation at the helm. John Leguizamo, voice of Sid, confirmed the project’s existence in November 2024. The film’s announcement came during Disney’s D23 Brazil event in São Paulo on November 8, 2024.
Disney set the release date for December 18, 2026. This date was originally reserved for a Star Wars film, which was subsequently removed from the calendar. The choice to prioritize Ice Age 6 over Star Wars highlights Disney’s confidence in the animated franchise’s continued appeal.
The Expansion of Ice Age into an Animated Franchise
Ice Age has grown beyond its original film series. The franchise now includes:
- 5 theatrical films
- Several short films
- TV specials
- Video games
- Theme park attractions
In 2022, “The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild” debuted on Disney+. This spin-off focused on the character Buck, voiced by Simon Pegg. The move to streaming platforms demonstrated the franchise’s adaptability to changing media consumption habits.
Ice Age’s expansion reflects broader trends in animated franchises. Studios now create content across various platforms to maintain audience engagement between major releases. This strategy helps keep the brand relevant and opens new revenue streams.
Release and Anticipation
Disney has set December 18, 2026 as the release date for Ice Age 6. This latest installment in the popular animated franchise replaces a previously scheduled Star Wars film on the studio’s calendar.
Insights on Release Planning and Strategy
Disney’s decision to slot Ice Age 6 into a prime holiday release date shows confidence in the franchise’s enduring appeal. The December 18 launch positions the film to capitalize on family audiences during the Christmas season. This strategy mirrors successful holiday releases of previous Ice Age movies.
The 2026 release allows ample time for production and marketing. It also gives Disney flexibility to adjust their release schedule if needed. The studio likely aims to maximize global box office potential with this timing.
Ice Age 6 will face competition from other family-friendly films typically released during the holiday season. However, its established brand recognition may give it an edge.
Cast and Characters
While official casting announcements are pending, fans hope to see the return of beloved voice actors. Ray Romano (Manny), Queen Latifah (Ellie), John Leguizamo (Sid), and Denis Leary (Diego) have been integral to the franchise’s success.
These original cast members have brought the core characters to life since 2002. Their potential return would maintain continuity and appeal to longtime fans.
New characters will likely join the adventure. This mix of familiar faces and fresh additions has been a successful formula for previous sequels.
Marketing and Fan Engagement
Disney is expected to leverage its powerful marketing machine to promote Ice Age 6. The studio may tease first looks or announcements at events like D23 Expo or D23 Brazil.
Social media campaigns will likely play a large role in building anticipation. Behind-the-scenes content and character reveals could keep fans engaged leading up to release.
Disney might also explore cross-promotional opportunities with its theme parks and merchandise lines. This integrated approach has proven effective for other animated franchises.
Fan events and early screenings could generate buzz as the release date approaches. These strategies aim to reignite excitement for the Ice Age world after a significant gap between installments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ice Age 6 is generating excitement among fans of the animated franchise. Many are curious about the upcoming film’s details, from its release date to the returning cast members and plot.
What is the expected release date for Ice Age 6?
Ice Age 6 is set to hit theaters on December 18, 2026. This date was confirmed by Disney and 20th Century Animation, marking the franchise’s return to the big screen after a decade-long hiatus.
Which characters will be returning in the new Ice Age installment?
Fans can look forward to seeing familiar faces in Ice Age 6. Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, Simon Pegg, and Queen Latifah are reprising their roles from previous films. This means Manny, Sid, Diego, Buck, and Ellie will be back for another adventure.
Who are the new cast members in Ice Age 6?
As of now, no new cast members have been officially announced for Ice Age 6. The film is still in early stages of production, and details about new characters or voice actors are not yet available.
What is the storyline for Ice Age 6?
The plot for Ice Age 6 remains under wraps. The studio has not released any information about the storyline or the new challenges the prehistoric pals will face in this installment.
Are there any official trailers or teasers available for Ice Age 6?
Currently, no official trailers or teasers have been released for Ice Age 6. With the film’s release date set for late 2026, promotional material is likely to appear closer to the premiere date.
Who is directing Ice Age 6?
The director for Ice Age 6 has not been announced yet. As the project develops, more information about the creative team behind the film is expected to be revealed.
