After a nearly decade-long wait, fans of the Ice Age franchise have exciting news to look forward to Ice Age 6, with all the original voice stars reprising their roles. The announcement was made at D23 Brazil on November 8, 2024, where Disney and 20th Century Animation unveiled the project in front of enthusiastic fans. Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Queen Latifah, and Denis Leary are all set to return as Manny, Sid, Ellie, and Diego, respectively. The movie is expected to be released in 2026, continuing the adventures of this cherished animated cast.
Disney’s announcement comes three years after it closed Blue Sky Studios, the original animation studio behind Ice Age, sparking speculation on whether the franchise would continue. Blue Sky was responsible for creating the Ice Age series under 20th Century Fox, which Disney acquired in 2019. This new installment marks the first major continuation of the franchise under Disney and 20th Century Animation, promising a new chapter for both longtime and new fans of the series.
Nostalgic Video Teaser Excites Fans with the Return of Familiar Voices
During the D23 fan event, the franchise’s main voice cast delighted fans by appearing in a special video teaser. In a humorous and playful skit, Ray Romano, who voices the lovable woolly mammoth Manny, started by pretending to shiver in the cold, bundled up in a blanket and beanie. “Wow, it’s cold in here. Did the AC break or something?” Romano joked, setting the tone for a lighthearted announcement. Soon after, Queen Latifah (Ellie) joined in, encouraging Romano to make the announcement.
With the screen gradually frosting over and snow falling in the background, Romano excitedly proclaimed, “Ice Age 6 is coming to theaters!” As he wrote the number “6” in the frosty haze, John Leguizamo (Sid) made a cheerful appearance, adding that the whole herd was returning and that he needed to “call everyone he knows.” According to Entertainment Weekly, the movie will also feature Simon Pegg, who reprises his role as Buck, the adventurous one-eyed weasel first introduced in Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs.
Ice Age Franchise Legacy and Cast Members’ Upcoming Projects
The Ice Age series began in 2002 with an original film that became an instant hit, earning an Oscar nomination and solidifying its place in animated film history. Since then, the franchise has produced four sequels: Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006), Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009), Ice Age: Continental Drift (2012), and Ice Age: Collision Course (2016). Over the years, the characters—Manny, Sid, Ellie, Diego, and Buck—have become cultural icons, bringing humor, warmth, and adventure to audiences worldwide.
Ray Romano, known widely beyond animation for his role in Everybody Loves Raymond, has voiced Manny since the first film. Queen Latifah joined the cast in Ice Age: The Meltdown, playing Manny’s love interest and fellow woolly mammoth, Ellie. John Leguizamo and Denis Leary (Diego the saber-toothed tiger) have been with the franchise from the beginning, bringing unique comedic elements to their characters. Their return, along with Pegg’s Buck, underscores Disney’s commitment to maintaining the beloved character dynamics that made the series a success.
Outside of Ice Age, Romano, 66, has continued to work across comedy and drama, while Queen Latifah, 54, remains a prominent figure in television and music. Leguizamo, 64, has built a distinguished career in both voice acting and live-action roles, while Leary, 67, has maintained a steady presence in TV and film. Simon Pegg, 54, has also expanded his career globally, known for both the Mission: Impossible and Star Trek franchises.
Ice Age’s Cultural Impact and Return to the Big Screen
The Ice Age series has consistently captured the imaginations of audiences with its focus on family, survival, and friendship set against the challenges of prehistoric life. The franchise’s iconic characters, such as the hilarious Scrat and his endless quest for an acorn, became a fan-favorite subplot, capturing hearts worldwide. Disney’s announcement of a new movie not only revives interest in the series but also introduces these characters to a new generation.
With Ice Age 6 scheduled for a 2026 release, fans can look forward to seeing their favorite prehistoric friends back in action. For those wanting to revisit past adventures, the entire Ice Age film series, along with related shorts, is currently available on Disney+. As Disney revives the franchise, this latest installment is shaping up to bring fresh stories and humor to the big screen while staying true to the legacy that has made Ice Age a beloved series for over two decades.
For more updates on Ice Age 6, tune in to Vviptimes.
Sources:
Entertainment Weekly, D23 Brazil, Disney+
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