Need a warm hug? Olaf returns in new Disney short and educational videos for kids
Some things really are worth melting for!
Josh Gad, who voices adorable snowman Olaf in Disney's "Frozen" franchise, introduced two new projects on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" Tuesday: an animated short and Olaf-led educational videos.
The short called "Once Upon a Snowman" will premiere exclusively on Disney+ on Oct. 23. It follows Olaf and his untold origins after being created by Elsa and searching for his identity.
“This is an idea that started to form when I was an animator on the first Frozen,” "Once Upon a Snowman" co-director Trent Correy said in a statement. ”Dan Abraham and I are so grateful and excited to have had the opportunity to direct this short, working with our incredible colleagues at Walt Disney Animation Studios.”
The fun doesn't stop there! Olaf is also helping kids (and parents) with the challenges of remote learning, Gad announced. Disney is introducing "Olaf's Learning Adventures," a series of fun and educational tutoring videos led by Olaf, in topics ranging from science to grammar to math.
Round 2 of online school: How to get your remote learning act together for fall
Coronavirus: Disney's 'Frozen' musical becomes first Broadway casualty of coronavirus, will not reopen
Earlier this year, Disney Studios announced some good news amid the coronavirus pandemic: an earlier release of "Frozen 2" on Disney+. Originally scheduled to debut on the streaming service in June, the animated sequel was made available for families stuck at home on March 15.
"Frozen 2" features "powerful themes of perseverance and the importance of family, messages that are incredibly relevant during this time," Bob Chapek, Walt Disney Company chief executive officer, said in a statement highlighting the release.
The musical followup continues the story of loving sisters Elsa (Idina Menzel) and Anna (Kristen Bell) three years after the first movie, with other memorable characters such as Olaf (Gad) and the rugged yet vulnerable Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) returning in the sequel.
"Frozen 2," which opened on Nov. 22, had already completed its theatrical run and hit video-on-demand on Feb. 25. With more than $1.4 billion in worldwide ticket sales, it’s the highest grossing animated film ever.
Review: 'Frozen 2' won't give you the same chills as the phenomenal first film
Disney+: Coronavirus brings 'Frozen 2' to Disney+ early, 'Rise of Skywalker' digital release
Contributing: Brian Truitt and Bryan Alexander
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Frozen': Olaf is back with a new Disney short and tutoring videos
Solve the daily Crossword
