Ice Age 6 (2026)

The Ice Age franchise is gearing up for a monumental return to theaters in 2026 with the release of Ice Age 6 on December 18, 2026. The highly anticipated film marks the first proper installment in the beloved animated series since Ice Age: Collision Course in 2016, and promises to bring back all the fan-favorite characters we know and love, as well as introduce new adventures and challenges for them to face.

Original Cast Members Returning

The excitement is heightened by the return of original voice cast members:

• Ray Romano as Manny, the woolly mammoth
• John Leguizamo as Sid, the mischievous ground sloth
• Queen Latifah as Ellie, Manny’s wife
• Simon Pegg as Buck, the weasel with a wild spirit

However, one of the biggest question marks surrounding the movie is the return of Denis Leary, who voiced the saber-toothed tiger, Diego, in the first five films. While it remains unclear if Leary will reprise his role, fans are hopeful that the core group will be complete for this major comeback.

A Shift in Disney’s Release Calendar

Interestingly, the release of Ice Age 6 also signals a significant shift in Disney’s release schedule. The film will occupy the holiday release slot previously reserved for an untitled Star Wars film centered around Rey Skywalker. This strategic decision has raised many questions, particularly since Ice Age is a family-friendly animated franchise with a broad appeal, which could make it a safer bet for holiday box office success, especially against the competition of other big franchises.

The decision to move Ice Age 6 into the Star Wars slot suggests that Disney sees strong potential for the film’s commercial success, especially considering the series’ strong fanbase and track record of success at the box office.

The Future of Animation: A New Studio Direction

Another major question on fans’ minds is who will be animating Ice Age 6. The earlier films in the franchise were produced by Blue Sky Studios, an animation studio acquired by Disney in 2019. After the acquisition, Blue Sky was disbanded, with Disney choosing to focus on its own animation arms, such as Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar.

Although The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild (2022) was animated by Bardel Entertainment and released directly on Disney+, it had a noticeably different look and feel from the earlier films. However, Ice Age 6 is expected to return to the 3D CGI style of the original movies, giving fans hope for a more authentic Ice Age experience.

What to Expect in the Story

As for the plot of Ice Age 6, details are being kept under wraps, but fans can expect the same kind of heartwarming, adventure-filled storytelling that has made the series so beloved. The films traditionally follow the journey of Manny, Sid, Diego, and their growing family of friends as they navigate the challenges of surviving in a rapidly changing world. Scrat, the iconic saber-toothed squirrel who is always on the hunt for his elusive acorn, will surely make a return, adding his slapstick comedy and chaotic energy to the mix.

Given the success of previous films, it’s safe to assume that Ice Age 6 will continue to blend humor, adventure, and emotional moments that resonate with audiences of all ages. The dynamics within the group will likely continue to evolve as the characters face new challenges, possibly introducing new animals and environments to explore.

The Shifting Landscape of Star Wars and Ice Age

The pullback of the Star Wars film centered on Rey Skywalker has raised eyebrows. The project has faced production delays, with multiple writers leaving the project, including Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson. Despite Star Wars being a powerful and iconic franchise, Disney may be focusing on other upcoming Star Wars projects, such as the film based on The Mandalorian series, which is set for release in May 2026.

Disney’s decision to prioritize Ice Age 6 over the untitled Star Wars film could also indicate that the company believes Ice Age will resonate strongly with family audiences during the holiday season, as the series is known for its universal appeal.

Key Takeaways

• Release Date: Ice Age 6 is scheduled for release on December 18, 2026.
• Voice Cast: Fans can look forward to the return of Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Queen Latifah, and possibly Denis Leary, with Simon Pegg also returning as Buck.
• Animation: The film will return to the 3D CGI animation style of the original movies, potentially under Disney’s own studios.
• Franchise Shift: The movie’s release pushes back a planned Star Wars movie centered around Rey Skywalker, which now has an unknown release date.
• Plot Expectations: Ice Age 6 will likely continue the series’ tradition of humor, adventure, and heartwarming moments as the familiar characters face new challenges and encounters.

Fans can expect a fun, family-oriented adventure, packed with the humor, heart, and chaos that has defined the Ice Age franchise for over two decades. With the movie’s release just around the corner, excitement is already building, and many are eager to see where the Ice Age gang goes next.