Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit in the same room as award winning actors, actresses, filmmakers and songwriters and chat about a movie? And not just any movie, but a movie that would shortly become the highest grossing animation film during its opening weekend at the box office? I had that very opportunity when I attended the press junket for Frozen 2 as a member of The Geekly Retreat. While there were plenty of laughs, singing, and yes, even tears at the end, one thing really resonated with me. And that’s when Josh Gad, the voice of Olaf, said that Frozen 2 redefines the Disney princess. Keep reading to find out how the press junket affected me, personally and professionally, but before you delve further into my article, know that it does contain spoilers.
Does Frozen 2 redefine the Disney princess?
Josh Gad: Frozen 2 Redefines the Disney Princess
Kristen Anderson-Lopez, award winning songwriter, talks about the songwriting process involved in Frozen 2.
During The Geekly Retreat, not only was I able to walk the red carpet for the Frozen 2 World Premiere, but I was able to attend the press junket a few days later. I didn’t know what to expect. I have loved movies ever since I can remember and I grew up in a small town that only had one movie theater. Now in my 40s, I was sitting in on a press junket, getting ready to interview the filmmakers, songwriters, actors and actresses involved in Frozen 2. Without a doubt, the whole experience has quickly become the highlight of my writing career. Especially because I agree with Josh Gad – Frozen 2 redefines the Disney princess. But what really surprised me was when I found out that……..
Elsa was originally supposed to be a villain
During the press junket, Idina Menzel revealed that the character of Elsa was originally written as a villain: “Elsa was written more as kind of your quintessential Disney nemesis.” Thankfully, the creative team behind Frozen decided to go in a different direction. Specifically, Idina Menzel further elaborated that Elsa was a “complicated young woman and we didn’t need to stereotype her and paint her in the corner.” Which brings me to one of my favorite themes of Frozen 2……
Defying society’s expectations
Josh Gad has two daughters of his own and during the press junket he summed it up better than I ever could: “I get to share this with two girls who get to look up to two fiercely independent Disney princesses who I think are changing the way we view Disney princesses.” And not only does Frozen 2 redefine the Disney princess and defies society’s expectations in general but there’s also…..
Redefining Relationships in Frozen 2
Frozen 2 doesn’t just redefine the Disney princess. It also redefines relationships in general. In Frozen 2, Kristoff gives a whole new meaning to a supportive boyfriend. It’s so subtle in the film that I didn’t even pick up on it until Kristen Bell pointed it out during the press junket: “I personally think that the representation that Jonathon (Groff, the voice of Kristoff) gives to guys is out of this world and it’s so subliminal that I don’t know if people will pick up on it. There’s one moment when Anna is in distress and he swoops in – in the midst of battle – he doesn’t say I got you and start taking over, he picks her up and says I’m here, what do you need from me.” Yes!!
Similarly, one of my favorite moments in the film is when Kristoff sings a song similar to an 80s power love ballad, with Sven as his backup singer! During the press junket, Jonathon Groff said “Often times, it’s a girl singing about love. Here, it’s a man pining for a woman.”
Rachel Evan Wood accurately described Kristoff’s character as Prince Sincere, not Prince Charming.
Change can be a good thing
In Frozen 2, Anna ultimately becomes the Queen of Arendelle and Elsa pursues her own path in the Enchanted Forest. As Kristen Bell said “Evolving is a pretty good thing. In order to evolve, you have to learn from history, and to learn from history, you have to know it.”
I couldn’t agree more. My parents raised me with the belief that I could both accomplish anything, regardless of what society expects from me. And I want to raise my son with the same belief. I also want him to be supportive of everyone around him, including the females in his life. As a parent, my trip to Burbank was the first trip I ever took without my son. As I sat there waiting for the plane, by myself, I started second guessing myself. What if I didn’t belong there? I was heading into my very own unknown and it was scary. But in the end, I want my son to know that his mom gave it all she had. And I also want him to grow up to be the person who says “I’m here. What do you need?”
Do you agree that Frozen 2 redefines the Disney princess?
Other Articles About the Frozen 2 Press Junket
My friends from The Geekly Retreat also wrote articles regarding the press junket. To see what they have to say, you can click their links below 🙂
Sensitive Kids and Movies: A Mom to Mom Moment With Kristen Bell
Kristen Bell Says We Don’t Give Kids Enough Credit to Digest Frozen 2
Parenting Tips from Kristen Bell and Sterling K. Brown
Why Kristen Bell Believes Kids Should Watch Darker Films Like Frozen 2 And Do We Agree?
Frozen 2 Press Junket (And Sing-A-Long)
Frozen 2’s Josh Gad Confesses He Was/Is Obsessed With This Cast Member
Very good written article.
We will have to check it out.
You’ve convinced me to give it a watch! Great article.