The Ice Age franchise is preparing to return to the big screens: the new installment will be released in 2027 — more than ten years after the last full-length film in the main series.
Long-Awaited Return of the Franchise
The animated series, which started in 2002, has become one of the most successful in history over the years: total box office earnings have exceeded billions of dollars, and the characters — mammoth Manny, sloth Sid, and tiger Diego — have gained a huge army of fans. The new film titled "Ice Age: The Boiling Point" will continue the story and is set to be released on February 5, 2027. This will be the first full installment of the franchise in 12 years since the release of the 2016 film.
No More Blue Sky — and This is the Main Change
The key difference in the new installment is the change of studio. Blue Sky Studios, which created all the previous films in the series, was closed in 2021 following Disney's acquisition of 20th Century Fox assets. Thus, "The Boiling Point" will be the first film in the franchise created without the involvement of the original team. This will almost inevitably lead to changes in the visual style and overall approach to animation that audiences have become accustomed to over the years.
What is Known About the Project
Production of the new animated film started in 2024, and the project is currently in an active development stage. Key voice actors are expected to return, including Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, and Denis Leary, who will once again lend their voices to familiar characters. While plot details are still under wraps, it is known that the characters will face new challenges and adventures.
Can the Film Regain Its Former Popularity
Despite its enormous popularity in the past, the later installments of the franchise received more subdued reviews than the earlier films. Now the creators face the challenging task of not only preserving the spirit of the original but also engaging a new generation of viewers. The return of "Ice Age" coincides with the 25th anniversary of the franchise, making the 2027 premiere particularly symbolic and significant for fans.
