Ice Age Returns: Disney Announces Sixth Film in Beloved Animated Franchise

The prehistoric gang is getting ready for another adventure! During Disney's D23 Brasil event, the entertainment giant officially announced that development has begun on Ice Age 6, thrilling fans of the beloved animated franchise.

Original Cast Reunites for New Adventure

The announcement came with exciting news for longtime fans - the original voice cast is returning in full force. Ray Romano, who brought the woolly mammoth Manny to life, appeared in the announcement video wrapped in a blanket, confirming his involvement in the project. Joining him are:

John Leguizamo as Sid the sloth

Queen Latifah as Ellie the mammoth

Denis Leary as Diego the saber-toothed tiger

Simon Pegg as Buck the weasel

A Franchise Legacy

Since its debut in 2002, Ice Age has become one of animation's most successful franchises. Over its 22-year history, the series has delivered:

5 theatrical films

Multiple animated series

Several short films

Theme park attractions

Video games

Theatrical adaptations

The franchise's impressive box office performance speaks for itself, with the five theatrical releases collectively earning $3.2 billion worldwide.

Disney's New Direction

When Disney acquired Fox's assets in 2019, they also gained the rights to the Ice Age franchise, which was previously developed by Blue Sky Studios. While the closure of Blue Sky Studios in 2021 raised questions about the franchise's future, this announcement confirms Disney's commitment to continuing the beloved series.

Looking Ahead to 2026

While plot details remain under wraps, Ice Age 6 is scheduled for a 2026 theatrical release. The specific release month has yet to be announced. For fans eager to revisit this prehistoric world, the most recent addition to the franchise was the 2022 Disney+ series "Scrat Tales."