'Frozen 2' Shouldn't Include A New Romance

Here's some expected (but still totally awesome) news: Disney announced at a shareholder's meeting on Thursday that the animated film and cultural phenomenon Frozen will get its very own sequel. Though there's no word yet as to what we can expect from Frozen 2 's storyline as the film is still in development, if there's one thing that I'm hoping for, it'll be that the movie goes heavy on sisterhood and feminist themes. But, while Frozen was a breath of fresh air in terms of a female-led cast, there is one thing that I hope that the new Frozen flick leaves out — and that's a romance.

Don't get me wrong: I'm not saying that we should have Kristoff and Anna part ways when the new Frozen film arrives in theaters. They're way too cute together to do that! What I do hope for, however, is that the filmmakers don't use a major romance as the crux of the new story — even though it would be terribly easy to do so. Elsa didn't get a love interest in Frozen, and I could see this new story calling for her to meet a charming prince (or, say, an ice salesman) of her very own. After all, Anna already has her love interest, so why not give the other princess one as well, right?

There's an easy argument for why Disney shouldn't, though. Frozen isn't a story about romance — it's about family and the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood. Frozen 2 will have a different plot, but it shouldn't drop those themes in favor of seeing Elsa find her soulmate. Frankly, as cute as Anna and Kristoff are together, the film would have been just as good had the pair remained good friends throughout the entire film — their love simply isn't the point.

We've seen so many Disney movies that focus exclusively on a romantic relationship, particularly when it comes to films that feature Disney's signature princesses. And, while some films are more progressive in their portrayal of relationships than others (Tangled over Snow White, for example) that doesn't mean that we need to see one in every single story told.

It's important to send a message to children watching Frozen 2 that you don't need to be in a relationship to be happy or successful. You can take down snow monsters all on your own — but it's better with a sister at your side.

Images: Disney; Giphy (2)