Jess Wright says the Disney film 'Frozen' reminds her of the bond she has with her sister.
Jess Wright with son Presley checking out Frozen display in London
The former 'TOWIE' star and her younger sibling Natalya are huge fans of the 2013 musical movie, in which Princess Anna discovers that her sister Elsa, Queen of Arendelle, possesses magical ice powers.
The film is celebrating its 10th anniversary and Jess, 38, took her 17-month-old son Presley to visit displays recreating 'Frozen' scenes to mark the occasion in London's Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square on Tuesday (03.10.23). The toddler was even dressed as popular character Olaf.
Speaking about the impact the movie has had on her life, Jess - who is also the sister of TV presenter Mark Wright and Josh Wright - said: "I think every sister can relate to the bond between Elsa and Anna in Disney’s 'Frozen' – that’s why my sister Natalya and I have loved the film since we first watched it together 10 years ago, even with 15 years between us, and have seen it so many times since.
"My son Presley is a fan of the magic of it all too and already has his very own Olaf toy. I love that I’ll get to continue watching it with him as he grows up."
A Piccadilly Circus black taxi and classic red phone box in Leicester Square were given an ice-cold transformation overnight to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Disney’s 'Frozen'.
The record-breaking movie has been a pop culture phenomenon since release, inspiring millions of toys, video games, books, sing-alongs, recipes, hairstyles and immersive live experiences – including a hit stage show.
Now, a new study commissioned by Disney from Dr Sarah Godfrey of the University of East Anglia, Lessons From Arendelle: The Cultural Phenomenon of Disney’s Frozen details its impact on society - from a tourism boom in Norway increasing by 40 per cent2 as a result of the country being the real-life inspiration for Arendelle, parents desperate to get their hands on must-have product for Christmas, to the rise of sing-along videos on YouTube – including 3.2 billion views of 'Let it Go' - and popularity of the name Elsa.
Godfrey’s study notes that the theme of sisterhood is a key factor in the film’s success, a reference supported by anecdotal feedback from young adults from around the world, as well as new research1 by Disney, resonating with one in two children. Half of parents (46 per cent) feel the characters had a positive impact on the representation of gender roles in animated films, and 33 per cent credited this for boosting their sons and daughters’ confidence.
Parents agreed that the movie’s themes positively affected their child, the top ones being kindness (44 per cent), courageousness (33 per cent), acceptance (30 per cent) and teamwork (29 per cent).
Three in four parents (71 per cent) said the timeless story of love, bravery and perseverance sparked their children’s imaginations and encouraged their children to role-play the characters or play with 'Frozen' toys and dolls.
Dr Sarah Godfrey, Associate Professor, Art and Media at the University of East Anglia, said: "'Frozen' is a global phenomenon which pervaded popular culture in a way we can’t ignore, having a massive impact on everything from the names we call our children, to inspiring multiple viral trends such as Elsa hair tutorials, celebrity lip synch battles to the popularity of the sing-along concept on YouTube and TikTok. It was the first time many young girls saw an act of sisterly love given more prominence over a romantic one. Elsa and Anna have been crucial in creating spaces for new female characters, not just within the Disney canon but in cinema and media culture more broadly.”
Claire Terry - SVP, Disney Consumer Products, Games and Publishing EMEA - said: “As we celebrate Frozen’s 10th anniversary and acknowledge its continued impact on audiences around the world, we’re looking forward to surprising Londoners by freezing over famous icons, complete with Elsa, Anna and Olaf products. We hope to inspire families to get into the Frozen spirit this month with new toy and dress-up ranges released – perfect to bring along to watch the film’s re-release in cinemas.”
A series of 'Frozen' celebrations has kicked off around the world, including exclusive fan screenings taking place throughout Europe this month. Frozen the Musical is also celebrating its second anniversary, having already attracted 1.5 million spectators in the UK alone. Fans will also be able to immerse themselves at the world’s first Frozen themed land, World of Frozen, at Hong Kong Disneyland set to open from 20 November 2023 and at the Kingdom Of Arendelle coming soon to Disneyland Paris. And earlier this year, Bob Iger also announced a third movie.
October will also see the new 'Disney Frozen Podcast: Forces of Nature' that extends the storytelling as an audio-first offering, complete with new characters and an original, standalone adventure set after the events of 'Frozen 2'.
Jennifer Lee - the writer-and-director of 'Frozen' and 'Frozen 2' - has also joined the epic line up of creative visionaries supporting Disney’s Create 100, a global celebration of creativity marking 100 years of Disney storytelling.
The new initiative offers fans around the globe the chance to bid on unique items and experiences inspired by each creator’s personal connection to Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and 20th Century Studios’ stories and characters.
Jennifer donated a signed crew-exclusive 'Frozen 2' maquette of Elsa, which fans across 18 countries will be able to bid on from 12 October until 30 October 2023 with funds from auction sales going to Make-A-Wish.
For those re-recreating their love for 'Frozen' at home can visit flagship Marks and Spencers stores to discover the new range of fashion and beauty 'Frozen' products and take a trip to Hamleys in Regent Street to find the Frozen castle home to a range of dolls, playsets and soft toys.
A huge range of toys, clothes, costumes and products, such as the Mattel Elsa Singing Doll, DuneIm Frozen home range and a new H+M Frozen clothing collection, are available to buy now to mark the anniversary.
Tagged in Mark Wright Jennifer Lee Jess Wright