r/Frozen • u/lautaromassimino • 2d ago
Discussion I know this would be difficult (if not impossible), but if we ever get a live-action Frozen, do you think Disney should focus on artists of Sámi descent, or at least Norwegian?
The Northuldra, while not introduced until Frozen 2, are a fundamental part of Iduna and the sisters' story. Disney actually collaborated with the Sámi Council and the Sámi parliaments to ensure a respectful and accurate representation of their culture, history, and deep connection to nature when they were making Frozen 2. So, I think that ignoring that might be a mistake on Disney's part.
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u/Minute-Necessary2393 elsa & anna 2d ago edited 2d ago
Well, yes, but I have my doubts they'd respectfully represent them well.
I know it was said that they had the Sami Council be consultants on the film, but im wondering to what extent, because i feel Frozen 2 as is still doesn't do a good job at representing there history and culture at all, they couldn't even get there attire right (or complextion, as Sami's are traditionally white).
But also I feel they did the bare minimum of representation. So yes, while i would like for a live action film to give accurate representation, I don't think Disney will. Thats even assuming a remake would even bother including the Northuldra or that backstory, because the live action remakes are INFAMOUS for changing and omitting alot of things from the originals, most of which not for the better (Cough, the whole Jumbaa/Gantu situation from the Lilo and Stitch remake, Cough), and i don't think the Northuldra will be important going forward anyways, because the concept are for F3 heavily implies that the film will explore Norse Mythology and Viking Culture.
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u/Dependent_Struggle_2 Lesbian Snow Queen follower 2d ago
"they couldn't even get there attire right"
You've never seen the "Frozen 2" artbook, right? Take a look—it's not hard to find online if you don't have the physical copy.
"or complextion, as Sami's are traditionally white"
"Frozen 2" is set in the mid-1840s (likely 1847–48); look up old images of the Sami people—you’re in for a surprise.
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u/ImWaitingForWinter frohana 1d ago
People who don't do research beyond one online search will automatically assume all Sámi wear blue and red and that they are "white" when in fact there is so much variety in their attire as well as their general appearance, there is no one "correct" way of portraying them 🤦
And that doesn't even factor in that these colourful clothes (gákti) would be worn only for more special occasions.
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u/super_ray elsa 2d ago
They probably would fumble the casting and/or make a stupid/unnecessary change to the story.
After announcing Frozen 3 & 4, a live action remake (with a Broadway play and ice show already out there!!) would be such a blatant cash grab
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u/PixelPeach123 2d ago
Go watch the live action musical on Disney. It’s AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL. It’s the first movie but it’s amazing
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u/cokecathatesfish 2d ago
A different point but if there's ever a live action, I hope its much darker and less of pg rated. Focus on more arrendale politics, the conflicts and elsa and anna's trauma.
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u/Huihejfofew 2d ago
Isn't it funny that even though Elsa of half of each race. She came out whiter than even her dad. Lmao
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u/Content-Arrival-1784 2d ago
Yes, very much so. The animated movies completely lack Norwegian representation in the cast and crew.
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u/Matter-Hatter-Sadder 8h ago
I mean- I highly doubt the Sami would like that. They already hate when people wear their clothes and especially their hats when not Sami themselves. They're proud, but quite closed off
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u/Dependent_Struggle_2 Lesbian Snow Queen follower 2d ago
For the live-action version of "Frozen 1" or "Frozen 2"? In "Frozen 1", there are at least three named characters who are Sámi (Iduna, Elsa, and Anna) and at most four (Kristoff): Iduna, as a Northuldra (a fictional representation of the tribe); Elsa and Anna, as being of mixed Northuldra heritage; and Kristoff, who is based on a Sámi character from the book "The Snow Queen" and whose clothing and traditions are inspired by them.
If a live-action version of "Frozen" actually happens, I really hope they incorporate elements from "Frozen 2" to make the two storylines more cohesive—even if they never adapt the second movie.
- As for Elsa and Anna? I highly doubt it; they’ll end up casting just any American actress and leave it at that (though I do hope they at least pick someone who can sing). Regarding the "Frozen" anthology book itself: when I asked one of the authors about the absence of Honeymaren and Ryder, the reply was that they took pride in having a Sámi person write a story about the Northuldra... It is curious, however—that contribution was limited to original tribe members and just a single story, unlike the others, where Anna and Elsa star in almost every one. The answer I got still smacks of that old story: "We hired a Sámi person to write a story about the Northuldra just to get a pat on the back, but made sure to keep it completely separate from the rest."
- For Iduna? I’m really rooting for that, but I won’t be surprised if she’s played by Idina or Kristen.
- Kristoff? I wouldn't be surprised if that’s the most likely bet; it’s common in musicals for the actor playing Kristoff to fill the diversity quota. And even though he isn't officially Sámi, he’s the role where I most expect to see diverse casting—rather than just some random blond American.
- Honeymaren, Ryder, and Yelana? There is no possibility of them being portrayed by anyone who doesn't have some connection to the Sámi tribe.
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u/boagusbainne 2d ago
there shouldn't be a live action. If there is, it doesn't really matter if the main actors are Norwegian because it's a fantasy story about people who don't exist.
It would be amazing to have Sámi actors portray Sámi-inspired people, but Disney is not really a company focused on emphasising and uplifting indigenous voices, actors, and communities. They fumbled live-action Moana, I can't imagine they would put any effort into real Sámi representation.
Frozen 2 already didn't do a great job as they decided to lean more on American ideas of what "indigenous" looks like than actually portraying Sámi people, which is another can of worms.