In a hilarious and unexpected turn, Andy Cohen revealed his 6-year-old son Ben harbors a deep disdain for Elsa from Disney’s Frozen franchise, much to the astonishment of Kristen Bell, the voice of the beloved Anna. This incident provides a fascinating look into how young audiences perceive iconic characters and sparks conversation within the ‘Frozen’ fan community about character complexity and evolving narratives.
The world of Frozen is filled with magic, music, and the unbreakable bond between two sisters, Elsa and Anna. Yet, for some young fans, allegiances are fiercely drawn. This became abundantly clear when Bravo personality Andy Cohen shared a surprising revelation with actress Kristen Bell, the voice behind the ever-optimistic Princess Anna, leading to a truly priceless reaction.
During an appearance on Radio Andy, ahead of an interview with Bell and her Nobody Wants This castmates, Cohen, 57, dropped a bombshell about his 6-year-old son, Ben. “My son hates Elsa so much. So he is the biggest Anna fan. It is so clear to him that Elsa is horrible,” Cohen recounted, detailing Ben’s passionate stance on the ice queen. The unfiltered honesty from a child about a beloved character left Bell, 45, visibly stunned. Her jaw dropped, and her eyes widened in disbelief as she exclaimed, “I’ve never heard those words!” This viral moment, captured in a clip shared to Instagram by Radio Andy, quickly spread through the fan community.
Ben’s Unpopular Opinions: A Pattern Emerges
This isn’t the first time Ben Cohen has voiced a strong, unconventional opinion about popular culture. The Watch What Happens Live host has previously shared his son’s rather polarizing takes, showing that Ben isn’t afraid to go against the grain of popular sentiment. This independent thinking seems to be a hallmark of Ben’s personality, charmingly captured by his father.
For instance, in May, Cohen revealed Ben’s unique perspective on Star Wars. After watching 1983’s Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi, Ben was upset by the death of Darth Vader, a character most consider the villain. “Yes. And he’s one of my favorite characters in Star Wars, thank you,” Ben retorted to his father’s explanation that Vader was “freed by Luke.” This endearing sass, shared in a video on Cohen’s Instagram, further highlights Ben’s tendency to embrace characters on his own terms, regardless of their perceived roles.
Unpacking Ben’s “Elsa is Horrible” Stance
While Elsa is widely adored for her journey of self-acceptance and powerful ice magic, her initial struggles with controlling her powers in the first Frozen film did cause her to accidentally plunge Arendelle into an eternal winter. This complexity, which makes her a compelling character for many adults, might be perceived differently through a child’s eyes. Ben’s unwavering support for Anna, who is portrayed as consistently warm, brave, and unconditionally loving, offers a pure, unvarnished view on heroism and approachability.
Kristen Bell‘s reaction, stating “I’ve never heard those words,” underscores how rare such a strong negative opinion of Elsa is, especially when expressed directly to the voice of her sister. It speaks to the widespread appeal and positive reception of the character within the global fan community. However, it also opens up a delightful discussion: why do some children gravitate towards one sister over the other?
Kristen Bell’s Enduring Connection to Disney and Frozen
For Kristen Bell, her role as Anna in the Frozen franchise is deeply personal. She openly shared her lifelong adoration for Disney princesses, recalling how she would record herself singing songs from The Little Mermaid into her boombox, dreaming of one day lending her voice to such an iconic character. This deep connection to the magic of Disney amplifies her surprise at Ben’s candid critique of Elsa.
Bell has also given fans behind-the-scenes insights into the films, including a playful revelation about a line in the song “For the First Time in Forever.” She once told Vanity Fair, as reported by E! Online, that the lyric “Why have a ballroom with no balls?” was an intentional double entendre that they “slid it under the radar.” These humorous tidbits are cherished by the devoted Frozen fan base, adding layers to the films they love.
The Future of Arendelle: Frozen 3 and Beyond
The Frozen franchise continues to captivate audiences worldwide. The first film, released in 2013, became a cultural phenomenon, introducing viewers to Elsa‘s journey of embracing her powers and Anna‘s unwavering love and support. The 2019 sequel expanded their world, delving into the origins of Elsa‘s magic and strengthening the sisters’ bond. With Josh Gad as Olaf and Jonathan Groff as Kristoff rounding out the beloved cast, the films have become a cornerstone of modern Disney animation.
Fans eagerly anticipate what’s next for Arendelle, as a third film is already in development. The expected release date for Frozen 3 is November 2027, promising new adventures and further exploration of these beloved characters. It will be interesting to see if Ben Cohen’s opinion on Elsa evolves with her continuing story.
Parenting and Pop Culture: A Unique Lens
Andy Cohen, also dad to daughter Lucy, 3, has a unique vantage point as a parent whose children are growing up with global pop culture phenomena. His willingness to share these authentic, often humorous, moments of his children interacting with beloved characters resonates deeply with other parents and fans alike. These insights provide a window into how young minds perceive narratives and character arcs, sometimes challenging the conventional interpretations that adult fans might hold.
Ben’s resolute dislike for Elsa serves as a playful reminder that art, even children’s animation, is subjective. While millions adore the powerful ice queen, one discerning 6-year-old prefers the relatable warmth of her younger sister. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal and depth of the Frozen universe that it can spark such strong, diverse emotions even among its youngest viewers, keeping the conversation lively for years to come.
Cohen himself celebrated Ben‘s 6th birthday in February with a touching throwback photo on People.com, remarking, “6 years ago today, his life began and so did mine….” This heartfelt sentiment underscores the profound impact children have on their parents’ lives, even when those children are busy forming strong, unexpected opinions about Disney royalty.
