Growing Up: A Look at Olaf in Frozen 2

As Olaf told us all in Frozen, "some people are worth melting for" and it's certainly true that one little snowman melted hearts all over the world in the original Frozen.  From his delightful song to his charming sense of humor to his deep love and loyalty to Anna and Elsa, Olaf captivated audiences and became a star.  Olaf fans have nothing to worry about in Frozen 2 as he is once again back and, in some ways, steals the show.  But, like some of the other characters, our favorite snowman has done some growing up since we last left him in Arendelle.

In Frozen, we meet Olaf - the snowman lovingly created by Anna and Elsa as children when they played in the castle.  When Elsa's powers are unleashed, Olaf becomes real and befriends Anna and Elsa in adulthood.  However, we meet a very naive Olaf in the original film.  His song, "In Summer," tells of a snowman longing to spend days relaxing in the summer sun, oblivious to the danger that would pose to him.  Throughout the film he is equal parts lovable and goofy.  While his character is certainly dedicated to his friends and can clearly articulate love, he seems blind to what's going on in the world around him.

Josh Gad (Olaf) discusses his character's
growth at the Frozen 2 press junket.

Then we meet Olaf in Frozen 2.  Olaf has become older and wiser and is now questioning the world around him.  I attended  the Frozen 2 press junket with The Geekly Retreat where Josh Gad jokingly talked about Olaf getting "a license" and taking out "an insurance policy" as the moderator mentioned his permafrost and new found ability to read.  But Gad turned serious when he shared Olaf's fears about change and growing up.  He shared a story of his own daughter at about 5 years old suddenly crying and asking "what if I don't want to grow up?"  Olaf is going through that same journey in the film.  He questions why things have to change and even his song, "When I Am Older" hints at the fact that kids question the world around them and recognize that they don't have all of the answers.  Gad described it as that moment you "realize that maybe the world isn't just raindrops and lollipops and roses."


Olaf will definitely be a relatable character for kids trying to figure out the world around them.  He reminds me of my own son who at 7 notices everything and questions "why" when he sees things that are difficult for him to understand.  Gad again delivers a memorable performance that will leave an impression on your heart even after the movie ends.  Olaf will once again we worth melting for when your family sees Frozen 2!

About Frozen 2

Why was Elsa born with magical powers? The answer is calling her and threatening her kingdom. Together with Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven, she'll set out on a dangerous but remarkable journey. In “Frozen,” Elsa feared her powers were too much for the world. In “Frozen 2,” she must hope they are enough. From the Academy Award®-winning team—directors Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck, producer Peter Del Vecho and songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez—and featuring the voices of Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen 2” opens in U.S. theaters on Nov. 22, 2019.

Looking for more Frozen 2 fun?  Check out my experience on the red carpet, download FREE activities for the family to enjoy, learn about the music of Frozen 2, and read a full review of the film! 

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