ADDITIONAL POINTS FOR IMPROVING ICE AGE: BOILING POINT

 

Ice Age: Boiling Point (previously known under the prototype title Ice Age 6) was first officially announced by Disney at the D23 Brazil event in November 2024. At the following event, Destination D23 in August 2025, the studio revealed the film’s official title and confirmed its rescheduled release date of February 5, 2027. As longtime fans of the franchise, we welcome this new installment with great excitement — but also with a strong hope that it will bring back the depth, heart, and emotional resonance that made the 2002 original so cherished by audiences worldwide. Beyond addressing the issues highlighted earlier, we put forward the following key points that we believe are essential to ensure Ice Age: Boiling Point becomes a truly memorable and respectful continuation of this beloved saga:

 

1. Scrat and Baby Scrat Should Be Fully Integrated With the Main Cast Throughout the Entire Film:

For Ice Age: Boiling Point (2027), Scrat and Baby Scrat will no longer be confined to isolated comedic cutaways. Instead, their story will intertwine directly with Manny, Sid, Diego, Ellie, and the rest of the Herd as they venture into the Lost World. This integration will allow for a richer balance of humor, heart, and plot progression. At the beginning of the movie, Scrat is shown teaching Baby Scrat how to bury an acorn, rather than obsessing over his own nut. This moment not only pays respect to the ending of The End (2022)—where Scrat finally ate the acorn—but also establishes his new role as a parent passing down survival skills. It provides a fresh and fitting continuation of his story, showing that while Scrat’s relationship with acorns remains central, his priorities have shifted to guiding Baby Scrat. The film will mark the first true reunion between Scrat and the Herd since the events of the original Ice Age (2002). When seismic disruptions open a new passage to the Lost World, Scrat—still chasing after an acorn with Baby Scrat—stumbles into the underground ecosystem alongside him. His chaotic pursuit accidentally collides with the Herd’s mission, forcing him into their journey. What begins as a reluctant and humorous reunion gradually evolves into meaningful teamwork. Scrat’s antics, once background comic relief, now serve as pivotal elements in the unfolding story. For example, his obsession with the acorn might inadvertently trigger dangerous chain reactions in the volatile underground environment, but just as often, his resourcefulness and sheer luck prove instrumental in saving the group. Baby Scrat’s presence further deepens the comedic and emotional dynamic, as the Herd—especially Sid—find themselves acting as surrogate caretakers when Scrat’s parenting falters. Through this integration, Scrat’s character arc expands beyond slapstick chaos into themes of family, resilience, and unexpected heroism. By the end of Boiling Point, Scrat and Baby Scrat are not just side characters but recognized as part of the extended Ice Age family, finally bridging the gap between the beloved mascot of the franchise and the core ensemble.

 

2. Create a More Elaborate and Thoughtful Storyline for All Ages:

For Ice Age: Boiling Point (2027), we envision a return to the layered storytelling that made the first film timeless. The movie will be set in the Lost World, offering both thrilling spectacle and meaningful character arcs. The underground realm, with its primeval flora, hidden rivers of magma, and evolving dinosaur ecosystems, will be portrayed as both wondrous and dangerous—a metaphor for the challenges of adapting to a changing world. The story begins only weeks after the cosmic chaos of Collision Course (2016). The Herd—Manny, Sid, Diego, Ellie, Buck, Shira and Brooke—find themselves confronted with strange seismic activity that threatens their valley. Ancient cracks in the earth reopen, revealing a new, unstable passage back to the Lost World. Though Buck had once destroyed the original entryway in Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009), nature itself has reshaped the land, creating a perilous new route. The return to the Lost World is not simply a rehash of past adventures. Instead, the Herd discovers that the underground ecosystem has been thrown out of balance by shifting magma flows and emerging volcanic activity—the "boiling point" of the title. This natural upheaval forces the Herd to confront questions about responsibility, courage, and how to protect not just themselves, but the fragile harmony of the world below. Humor and slapstick will still be present, but they will serve as lighter beats within a story that treats its audience with intelligence and respect. The story deserves to be completely original, as since the fourth and fifth films the Ice Age franchise has suffered creative burnout. The later entries relied too heavily on repetitive formulas and exaggerated slapstick humor—particularly with plots where Scrat accidentally causes a catastrophic event on Earth, prompting Manny, Sid, and Diego to embark on yet another adventure. Boiling Point must break away from that pattern by focusing on rich character development, natural storytelling, and emotional resonance. Themes of family legacy, intergenerational understanding, and the fight for survival will resonate with both children and adults. The Lost World becomes a stage where the Herd must face not only external dangers—like volcanic eruptions and evolving predators—but also internal struggles, such as Manny learning to let the younger generation take the lead. By blending breathtaking adventure with heartfelt themes, Ice Age: Boiling Point would honor the legacy of the franchise while giving audiences a thoughtful, all-ages story that rekindles the magic of the original.

 

3. Honor Blue Sky Studios with Its Logo Across All Media:

Although Blue Sky Studios officially closed its doors in 2021, it was the creative force behind the first five Ice Age films. To truly celebrate the studio’s legacy and the talented artists who brought these beloved characters to life, the Blue Sky Studios logo (used between 2013–2021) should not only appear at the beginning of the film, but also be included on posters, trailers, and merchandise. This would serve as a heartfelt tribute, much like how Warner Bros. honored the now-defunct Geffen Company with its logo in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024). Featuring the Blue Sky logo would give fans of the franchise a nostalgic sense of connection and present the studio symbolically as if it were still “involved” as a co-producer. By doing so, Disney could pay homage to the origins and creative spirit of the company that birthed one of its most beloved animated franchises. Even though Blue Sky closed on April 10, 2021, honoring its logo across all Ice Age: Boiling Point materials would allow Disney and fans alike to celebrate its enduring legacy and influence in animation history.

 

4. Launch a Strong Marketing Campaign:

To ensure the success of Ice Age: Boiling Point, a dynamic marketing campaign is essential, starting with the release of the official teaser in June 2026, coinciding with the theatrical debut of Toy Story 5. This teaser should cleverly spotlight Scrat and Baby Scrat inadvertently venturing into the mysterious Lost World as the boiling point begins—a concept teaser that hints at the film’s theme without revealing plot details, following the playful tradition of earlier Ice Age teasers centered around Scrat. The overall marketing strategy should take inspiration from the creative campaigns behind Zootopia (2016) and Zootopia 2 (2025). A key element will be the use of parody posters on social media, humorously riffing on upcoming and recent Disney releases to engage fans and generate buzz. This approach capitalizes on viral potential and keeps audiences excited and connected to the franchise. To surpass the achievements of previous installments—where the third and fourth films grossed $886 million and $877 million respectively, Ice Age: Boiling Point should aim for a $1 billion box office milestone. Achieving this requires not only a compelling teaser and creative promotional content but also a broad, well-funded global campaign that leverages both traditional advertising and digital platforms. The campaign should feature extensive use of social media channels with the participation of voice actors in viral marketing efforts, interactive fan engagements, and strategic partnerships with popular global brands. This fresh, innovative approach will reenergize longtime fans while attracting new audiences, positioning Ice Age: Boiling Point as one of Disney’s marquee animated events.

 

5. Reintroduce Dramatic and Emotionally Resonant Storytelling:

One of the defining strengths of the original Ice Age (2002) was its ability to blend humor and heart, delivering moments of genuine emotion that connected deeply with audiences—such as the touching reunion between the baby and its father. These scenes of love, sacrifice, and friendship gave the story lasting impact and elevated it beyond simple comedy. Later sequels, however, often leaned too heavily on chaos and slapstick, losing sight of the emotional weight that made the first film timeless. For Ice Age: Boiling Point (2027), we urge the filmmakers to recapture that emotional richness—especially within the perilous setting of the Lost World. This subterranean realm, filled with molten rivers, ancient life, and evolving dangers, offers a perfect stage for stories about survival, loyalty, and courage. The drama within these scenes should feel natural and earned, arising from the characters’ bonds and the risks they take for one another. The film should weave together moments of intensity and reflection—scenes where the Herd faces physical peril alongside internal struggles. Flashbacks to earlier adventures could remind viewers how far these characters have come, reinforcing the sense of legacy and growth that has always defined their journey. Manny, for instance, might wrestle with passing responsibility to the younger generation, while Diego could face doubts about his role as both protector and friend. These quiet, emotional beats will allow the audience to pause and feel the weight of the characters’ choices. The Lost World’s volatile landscape can also serve as a metaphor for the challenges of change, echoing the themes of courage, loss, and renewal that resonated in the first Ice Age. As volcanic tremors and evolving predators test the Herd’s unity, moments of sacrifice and compassion should carry emotional significance—advancing both the plot and the characters’ emotional journeys. By restoring this balance of heart and humor, Boiling Point can appeal to all ages—delivering thrilling adventure while reviving the emotional core that once made the franchise so beloved. Through themes of family, resilience, and redemption, the story can once again touch audiences as the original did, ensuring that the Ice Age legacy continues with both warmth and wonder.

 

6. Bring Back Chris Wedge as Scrat:

Scrat is more than just a character — he is a symbol of the entire Ice Age franchise, and his identity is inseparable from the voice that brought him to life. Chris Wedge, the creator and original voice of Scrat, has defined the character since 2002 with his unique vocal performance, blending comedic timing, expressive squeaks, and energetic delivery that made Scrat instantly iconic. No substitute could ever recreate that authenticity. Although Chris Wedge has been working at Annapurna Animation since 2023, his bond with Scrat remains irreplaceable. To truly honor the legacy of Ice Age, it is essential that Wedge reprises his role, ensuring that Scrat’s spirit and charm remain intact for audiences old and new.

 

7. Reintroduce Scratte in a Balanced and Purposeful Way:

Scratte, first introduced in Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009), remains one of the franchise’s most intriguing side characters. Fans have long hoped to see her again, but her return must be handled with care to avoid overshadowing Scrat and Baby Scrat’s new arc. For Ice Age: Boiling Point (2027), we propose that Scratte reappears midway through the story, after escaping the Lost World through one of the newly formed seismic passages that also connect to the Herd’s journey. Having survived for years in the perilous underground ecosystem, Scratte’s resilience and cunning can be briefly showcased as she makes her way back to the surface. Her screen time should be focused and intentional—appearing in select sequences where her interactions with Scrat provide humor, tension, and continuity, but without derailing the central father–son dynamic between Scrat and Baby Scrat. Rather than dominating the subplot, Scratte’s presence should serve as a catalyst: reigniting Scrat’s old rivalry/romance while highlighting his growth as a reluctant parent. For example, a comedic chase between Scrat and Scratte could accidentally trigger a chain reaction that impacts the Herd’s mission, tying her return directly into the larger story. However, Scratte would then step back, leaving the spotlight on Scrat and Baby Scrat’s bond as they continue alongside the Herd. This approach allows Scratte’s comeback to feel meaningful and rewarding for long-time fans, while still preserving the narrative integrity of Boiling Point. She becomes part of the adventure without overshadowing the family themes at the heart of the film, striking the right balance between nostalgia and progression. 

 

8. Keep the Focus on Core Characters — Logical Explanation for Peaches, Julian, Gladys, Crash and Eddie’ Absence:

In Ice Age: Boiling Point (2027), Peaches, Julian, and Gladys should not appear so that the story can focus more effectively on the main group — Manny, Sid, Diego, Ellie, Buck, Shira, Brooke, Scrat, and Baby Scrat — during their Lost World adventure. Their absence can be explained naturally based on what was established in Ice Age: Collision Course (2016):

• Peaches and Julian are now married and have left to explore new adventures together, starting their own journey apart from the herd. This development honors their growth while keeping the narrative centered on the original heroes.
• Gladys, the sloth introduced as Sid’s grandmother’s friend in Geotopia, remains there with her rabbit boyfriend, continuing her life in that peaceful community.
• Crash and Eddie, although beloved for their comedic roles in Ice Age: The Meltdown and Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, have unfortunately suffered from poor writing in later installments. From Ice Age: Continental Drift onward, their humor became forced and repetitive, transforming their once authentic and genuinely funny personalities into exaggerated caricatures that many fans found unbearable. To preserve the integrity and tone of the series, it would be better for Boiling Point to respectfully exclude them from the main storyline. In an interview with The Direct, Seann William Scott, the voice actor for Crash, confirmed that he will not be involved in the film’s production — though his comment about Crash’s supposed “death” was clearly a joke. Their absence should be explained early in the film, before the seismic adventure begins, with Ellie explaining that Crash and Eddie decided to separate from the Herd to explore more adventures on their own.

Over the years, the Ice Age franchise introduced numerous new characters, often mixing them all together in the later films. This overcrowding made it difficult to properly develop their personalities and relationships. To correct this, 20th Century Animation should significantly reduce the number of active characters and return the spotlight to the core group. By doing so, Ice Age: Boiling Point can deliver a more cohesive, focused, and emotionally engaging story centered on the herd’s seismic adventures in the Lost World. Giving these characters more depth will strengthen the herd dynamic and provide continuity and emotional resonance for the franchise moving forward.

 

9. The Future of Ice Age and 20th Century Animation - Honoring Blue Sky’s Legacy and Expanding the Universe:

After the release of Ice Age: Boiling Point, it is essential for Disney and 20th Century Animation to define a bold, organized, and visionary plan for both the Ice Age franchise and the studio’s long-term identity. Since the closure of Blue Sky Studios in 2021, 20th Century Animation has inherited the role of its spiritual successor. This means carrying forward not just the studio’s beloved properties, but also its artistic legacy — reimagined with greater narrative strength, emotional depth, and originality. The Ice Age franchise, one of the most iconic animated series in cinema history, should continue to evolve through new mainline films, spin-offs, shorts, streaming series, and video games that explore untapped areas of its universe. Scrat, the timeless mascot, should become the official symbol of 20th Century Animation — embodying both the humor and the heart that defined Blue Sky’s storytelling style. Similarly, the Rio franchise should be revived and expanded, with a third film made for theatrical release to meet strong global fan demand and reaffirm the studio’s identity as the true heir to Blue Sky’s creative spirit. However, sustaining these franchises requires balance and foresight. To avoid the creative burnout that comes from overreliance on sequels and formulaic humor, 20th Century Animation must prioritize strong storytelling and originality. While Blue Sky’s films achieved major box office success, they occasionally lacked the consistent emotional depth and character development found in productions from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar. As such, 20th Century Animation must reinvent itself — building upon Blue Sky’s humor and visual creativity while developing meaningful, well-structured narratives and endearing, three-dimensional characters. This reinvention must also include a renewed focus on original content. Beyond sequels to Ice Age and Rio, the studio should develop entirely new worlds and stories that can inspire audiences and strengthen its brand identity. A sequel to Epic (2013) would be an excellent opportunity to expand an existing universe that performed solidly at the box office and still holds strong creative potential. Meanwhile, releasing two animated features per year — especially with The Simpsons Movie 2 scheduled for the same year as Boiling Point — would help maintain steady growth, visibility, and momentum for the studio. Moreover, the Ice Age and Rio franchises deserve to stand out within 20th Century Studios’ portfolio, alongside other major series such as Predator, Alien, and Planet of the Apes. Since Disney’s 2019 acquisition of 21st Century Fox, the company has leaned heavily toward family-oriented productions, but this has often relegated 20th Century Studios to a secondary role. By empowering 20th Century Animation to lead with creativity and originality — honoring Blue Sky’s legacy while learning from its limitations — Disney can reinforce its family entertainment lineup and reestablish the studio as a true creative powerhouse capable of producing original, heartfelt, and globally beloved animated films.

 

10. Bring Back Roshan for a Powerful and Emotional Surprise Comeback:

One of the most memorable and emotionally resonant elements of the original Ice Age (2002) was the bond formed between Manny, Sid, Diego, and the human baby Roshan. After the heartfelt conclusion of the first film, Roshan never returned in any subsequent installments, leaving a lingering sense of unfinished emotional potential within the franchise. Fans have long expressed a desire to see what became of Roshan and how his life—and lineage—may have evolved in the years since his rescue. Ice Age: Boiling Point presents the perfect opportunity to bring Roshan back in a meaningful and impactful way. His return could be woven into the narrative as a surprise reveal near the film's conclusion, showing him as an adult who has grown into a brave and capable leader of his people. His reappearance would serve as a powerful callback to the franchise's origins, reinforcing the themes of connection, gratitude, and the lasting bonds formed across species. Roshan’s comeback should not feel forced or nostalgic for nostalgia's sake; instead, it should enrich the story's emotional depth and tie together the franchise’s earliest message: that unlikely friendships can change the course of lives. His presence—even in a limited but meaningful role—can offer both a touching reunion and a symbolic passing of the torch, acknowledging how much the Herd has grown since their first adventure. By reintroducing Roshan in a thoughtful and story-driven way, Ice Age: Boiling Point can resonate with longtime fans while giving the next generation a memorable moment that connects the new narrative to the franchise’s timeless beginnings.

 

This petition is not simply a list of demands — it is a heartfelt message from fans who grew up with Ice Age and want the magic to return. We want to see a movie that respects the emotional intelligence of its viewers, honors its origins, and creates something truly special for both new audiences and loyal fans.