The actress and singer says Elsa has inspired her to embrace her identity and “own” her power ahead of Frozen 3

Idina Menzel has opened up about why she considers Frozen character Elsa a role model in her own life.

The 55-year-old American actress, singer and songwriter has voiced Elsa in both the original Frozen, released in 2013, and its 2019 sequel, Frozen 2. She is now preparing to reprise the iconic role for a third time in the upcoming animated film Frozen 3.

During D23 on Friday, August 14, Menzel appeared alongside her Frozen co-stars Josh Gad and Kristen Bell at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, where the cast previewed the highly anticipated third instalment.

Speaking to PEOPLE magazine at the event, Menzel explained why Elsa continues to inspire her.

 “She’s a good role model for me because now she’s not apologizing for who she is,” Menzel said. “I feel like I’m getting much better into owning my power and finding that. So, she’s always been a shining example.”

Josh Gad compares himself to Olaf

Menzel and Gad were also asked whether their Frozen characters had become part of their personalities.

Gad, 45, who voices the lovable snowman Olaf, joked that he was least like his character because “I’m not a snowman.”

The Beauty and the Beast actor and comedian added that he and Menzel shared a tendency to say whatever came to mind without holding back.

“I think we both share just a disease of whatever comes to our head, our mouth doesn’t stop us. We just have no off button — just say it out loud,” Gad quipped.

Kristen Bell says she is similar to Anna

Kristen Bell also reflected on her connection with Anna, saying she is more similar to the character than to almost any other role she has played.

 “Anna has a similar thing in that I am probably more like Anna in many ways than almost any other character I’ve played,” Bell said.

She explained that the similarities included wearing her heart on her sleeve, jumping into action, being potentially codependent and speaking before thinking.

 “Maybe that’s where Olaf learned it from,” Gad jokingly added.

When will Frozen 3 be released?

Frozen 3 is currently scheduled to arrive in cinemas on November 24, 2027.

The upcoming film will reunite Menzel, Gad and Bell as Elsa, Olaf and Anna respectively, continuing the story of the beloved animated franchise.