After nearly a decade of silence, the beloved Ice Age franchise is officially back. Disney and 20th Century Animation have announced the sixth installment in the prehistoric saga, titled Ice Age: Boiling Point, set to hit theaters on February 5, 2027. The announcement was made during the Destination D23 event in Orlando, where fans were treated to a first look at the film’s concept art and a teaser poster that promises a lava-filled, dinosaur-packed journey into the unknown.

This marks the franchise’s first theatrical release since Ice Age: Collision Course in 2016, and the excitement surrounding the return of Manny, Sid, Diego, Ellie, Scrat, and the rest of the herd is palpable. With the original voice cast returning and a fresh storyline that dives deeper into the mysterious Lost World, Boiling Point is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated animated films of the decade.

A New Era for Ice Age

The Ice Age franchise began in 2002 with the original film produced by Blue Sky Studios, introducing audiences to a quirky trio of prehistoric misfits—Manny the woolly mammoth, Sid the sloth, and Diego the saber-toothed tiger. Over the years, the franchise expanded to include Ellie, Crash and Eddie, Buck, and of course, Scrat, the acorn-obsessed squirrel whose slapstick antics became iconic.

With five mainline films, a spin-off (The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild), and a series of shorts, the franchise has grossed over $3.2 billion worldwide. Despite mixed reviews for later entries, the series has remained a cultural touchstone for multiple generations. Now, Boiling Point aims to reignite that spark with a bold new direction.

What We Know So Far

According to the official synopsis revealed at D23, Ice Age: Boiling Point will take the herd into “never-before-seen corners of the treacherous Lost World,” a volcanic, dinosaur-infested region that promises high-stakes adventure and comedic chaos. The film is described as a “dinosaur-and-lava-filled madcap adventure,” suggesting a return to the action-packed tone of Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs while introducing new environments and creatures.

The Lost World, first introduced in the third film, is a subterranean jungle teeming with prehistoric life. In Boiling Point, it appears the stakes will be higher than ever, with the herd navigating molten landscapes, erupting volcanoes, and perhaps even facing extinction-level threats once again.

The Voice Cast Returns

Fans will be thrilled to hear that the original voice cast is returning for Boiling Point. Ray Romano reprises his role as Manny, the gruff but lovable mammoth. John Leguizamo returns as Sid, whose clumsy optimism remains a franchise staple. Queen Latifah is back as Ellie, Denis Leary as Diego, and Simon Pegg as Buck, the eccentric one-eyed weasel who thrives in the Lost World.

Their chemistry and comedic timing have been central to the franchise’s success, and their return ensures continuity and nostalgia for longtime fans. The announcement video featured the cast in playful banter, with Romano joking about being “cold again” and Leguizamo declaring, “The gang is back!”

Why the Long Wait?

The gap between Collision Course and Boiling Point has been significant. After Disney acquired 21st Century Fox in 2019, Blue Sky Studios—the original animation house behind Ice Age—was shut down in 2021. This left the future of the franchise uncertain. However, Disney retained the rights and eventually greenlit the sixth film under 20th Century Animation.

The delay also allowed the creative team to reassess the franchise’s direction. With animated films evolving rapidly in terms of storytelling and technology, Boiling Point is expected to feature upgraded visuals, sharper humor, and a more emotionally resonant narrative.

Themes and Expectations

While the Ice Age films have always leaned into comedy and adventure, they’ve also explored themes of family, belonging, and survival. Boiling Point is likely to continue this tradition, especially as the herd faces new challenges in an environment that’s literally heating up.

The title itself—Boiling Point—suggests rising tensions, both environmental and emotional. Could the herd face internal conflicts? Will Scrat finally get his acorn, or lose it to lava this time? Will Buck’s knowledge of the Lost World be enough to guide them through its dangers?

Given the current global conversations around climate change, some fans speculate that the film may subtly address environmental themes, using the Lost World’s volcanic chaos as a metaphor for ecological imbalance. While the franchise has never been overtly political, it has often used humor to reflect real-world concerns.

The Animation Landscape in 2027

By the time Boiling Point releases, the animation industry will have seen major shifts. With films like Inside Out 2, Zootopia 2, and Toy Story 5 also slated for release, competition will be fierce. However, Ice Age’s legacy and loyal fanbase give it a strong edge.

Disney’s decision to revive the franchise theatrically, rather than as a streaming exclusive, signals confidence in its box office potential. The last theatrical entry, Collision Course, earned over $408 million globally despite lukewarm reviews. With a refreshed storyline and returning cast, Boiling Point could surpass that figure.

Fan Reactions and Cultural Impact

The announcement has already sparked excitement across social media. Fans who grew up with the franchise are eager to see their favorite characters return, while younger audiences—introduced to Ice Age through Disney+—are curious about what’s next.

Memes, fan art, and speculation are flooding platforms like Reddit and Instagram. One user joked, “Global warming is coming next,” while another wrote, “Scrat better get hazard pay this time.” The franchise’s ability to inspire humor and nostalgia remains intact.

Final Thoughts

Ice Age: Boiling Point is more than just a sequel—it’s a revival of one of animation’s most enduring franchises. With a fresh setting, returning cast, and a promise of high-stakes adventure, the film has the potential to reignite interest in the Ice Age universe and introduce it to a new generation.

As February 2027 approaches, fans will be watching closely for trailers, character reveals, and plot details. For now, the announcement alone is enough to warm hearts—and maybe melt a few glaciers. The Ice Age gang is back, and they’re heading straight into the heat.