The Ice Age is thawing once more. Disney has officially announced Ice Age 6, marking the beloved franchise’s long-awaited return to theaters on December 18, 2026. After nearly a decade-long cinematic freeze following 2016’s Ice Age: Collision Course, the prehistoric pals Manny, Sid, and possibly Diego are back—bringing a fresh dose of slapstick, heart, and nostalgic charm to a new generation.
The Herd Is Back (Well, Most of It)
Revealed at D23 Brazil—the first South American edition of Disney’s flagship fan event—this new installment will bring back several core voice talents from the franchise. Ray Romano (Manny), John Leguizamo (Sid), and Queen Latifah (Ellie) are confirmed to reprise their roles. As of now, Denis Leary’s return as the saber-toothed Diego remains uncertain, leaving fans hopeful for a full reunion of the original herd.
This will be the first theatrical Ice Age film released under Disney following its acquisition of 21st Century Fox in 2019. The previous five films were produced by Blue Sky Studios, which was shuttered by Disney in 2021. With the original studio now closed, production responsibilities will fall to one of Disney’s current animation partners, likely Bardel Entertainment, which handled 2022’s The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild on Disney+.
A Shift in Season and Studio
Unlike past Ice Age movies—which typically debuted in the spring or summer—Ice Age 6 will premiere in mid-December, a coveted holiday release window often reserved for major Disney titles. Interestingly, the film will take the slot originally earmarked for a new Star Wars project, underscoring Disney’s confidence in the franchise’s enduring appeal.
The move is also symbolic: this will be the first big-screen Ice Age adventure without Blue Sky Studios, which helped define early 2000s animation with titles like Rio and The Peanuts Movie. While some fans remain wary of how a different studio might handle the visual style and humor, others see this as a fresh start—and a chance to inject new life into the long-running series.
The Scrat Dilemma: Should He Return?
No discussion of Ice Age is complete without Scrat, the acorn-chasing saber-toothed squirrel whose chaotic side plots often stole the show. Yet, Scrat’s future in Ice Age 6 remains uncertain. Blue Sky’s final act before its closure was a 2022 short in which Scrat finally secured his acorn, delivering a silent, emotional farewell to the studio’s mascot.
Bringing him back would risk undoing that poignant ending, and many longtime fans are conflicted. Is it worth the nostalgic laugh if it means undermining the character’s well-earned closure? Or should Disney respect Blue Sky’s farewell and let Scrat rest in peace—nut in hand?
The debate continues, but one thing is clear: Ice Age 6 will need to tread carefully with Scrat if it wants to maintain goodwill with its most loyal viewers.
Why Now? The Nostalgia Factor
While Collision Course was a commercial success, it was the lowest-rated entry critically, and many felt the series had run its course. But in today’s age of reboots and revivals, the timing of Ice Age 6 makes perfect sense.
By 2026, it will have been 24 years since the original Ice Age hit theaters in 2002. Many of the franchise’s first fans are now adults with children of their own, making this the perfect opportunity for Disney to reintroduce the franchise as a multi-generational experience. Nostalgia alone could drive serious box office interest—especially if the film captures the heart and humor that made the original trilogy so beloved.
A Prehistoric Legacy Continues
The Ice Age franchise has earned over $6 billion across films, merchandising, and media, making it one of the most financially successful animated series in history. With Ice Age 6, Disney not only has the opportunity to revitalize a valuable IP but also honor the legacy of the now-defunct Blue Sky Studios.
The herd is on the move again—and this time, they’re heading into uncharted (but very frosty) territory. Whether Scrat returns or not, Ice Age 6 promises to be a nostalgic celebration of a franchise that has already stood the test of time.
