Frozen 2: 9 Ways The Sequel Improved On The Original
5. The Diversity Of Characters (And Indigenous Contracts)
With complaints of a distinct lack of diversity in the original Frozen film, the way Frozen 2 handled its cast was a marked improvement, with compelling and likeable characters like Lieutenant Matthias, played by Sterling K Brown, as well as the culturally rich, indigenous Nolthuldra, who lived with the magic that populates their universe. Though POC characters were shown sparsely in the background of the original film, the sequel includes more diverse elements in the fictional kingdom.
Even more significant was the agreement that Disney signed with the Sámi people, whose culture they appropriated in the first Frozen film, using Sámi music and clothing in the original film without giving the people themselves a fair shake. In this film, the fictional Nolthuldra people used many practices of the Sámi in a way that represented their real life culture, with Disney translating the film for Sámi audiences and having representatives from their communities attend the premiere.
A lot of the more elemental and spiritual elements in the film are also strongly reminiscent of Sámi shamanistic belief, including Elsa's role in communicating with the spirits. The inclusion of these makes Frozen's world feel larger and more lived in, while still remaining fantastical.