Kristen Bell, the cherished voice of Anna from Disney’s Frozen, experienced a rare moment of speechless disbelief when Andy Cohen shared his six-year-old son Ben’s unexpected opinion: he ‘hates Elsa‘ but is ‘the biggest Anna fan.’ This candid revelation, dropped during a SiriusXM Town Hall, left Bell visibly shocked and has since sparked widespread amusement and discussion within the fan community about the iconic animated sisters.
For over a decade, Kristen Bell has been synonymous with Anna, the adventurous and warm-hearted princess from Disney’s Frozen franchise. She’s accustomed to hearing praise and adoration for the film and its characters from fans worldwide. However, the actress, 45, was utterly unprepared for a “bombshell” revelation shared by television personality Andy Cohen about his son Ben’s very strong feelings towards the animated movie’s leading ladies.
The surprising exchange occurred on Wednesday, October 22, during SiriusXM’s Town Hall Series, where Bell appeared alongside her Nobody Wants This costars. Before the official interview even began, Cohen, 57, casually dropped a truth bomb that instantly captivated Bell’s attention.
“My son hates Elsa so much,” Cohen told Bell, referring to the character voiced by her co-star Idina Menzel, 54, in the globally beloved franchise. Bell’s reaction was instantaneous and palpable: her jaw dropped, her eyes went wide, and she asked Cohen in clear disbelief, “What?”
Cohen quickly clarified his six-year-old son’s preference, stating, “He is the biggest Anna fan.” Bell, visibly struggling to comprehend this unique take, confessed, “I’ve never heard those words.” Cohen elaborated on Ben’s stance, emphasizing, “It is so clear to him that Elsa is horrible. I need you to know.” Bell, still baffled, pressed for more: “Wait, why is she horrible?” Unfortunately, a direct answer remained elusive as Cohen abruptly halted the off-air conversation to commence their scheduled interview.
The Sisters of Arendelle: A Deep Dive into Anna and Elsa’s Appeal
The dynamic between Anna and Elsa is the emotional core of the Frozen films, a tale of sisterly love overcoming magical challenges and personal insecurities. Elsa, with her extraordinary ice powers, initially struggles with control and isolation, accidentally trapping Arendelle in an eternal winter in the first film before learning to embrace her gift with support from Anna.
Anna, on the other hand, is characterized by her unwavering optimism, bravery, and deep well of empathy. Her relatability and open-hearted nature might resonate more with younger viewers like Ben, who may perceive Elsa’s initial struggles as a source of negativity or fear, leading to his strong preference for Anna.
The Enduring Legacy of the ‘Frozen’ Franchise
The Frozen franchise has been a cultural phenomenon since its debut. The first film, released in November 2013, introduced audiences to the magical kingdom of Arendelle and its enchanting characters. The sequel, Frozen II, which premiered in November 2019, delved deeper into the origins of Elsa’s powers, further expanding the rich lore.
Beyond Kristen Bell as Anna and Idina Menzel as Elsa, the franchise boasts a talented cast including Josh Gad as the lovable snowman Olaf and Jonathan Groff as the loyal ice harvester Kristoff. Their combined performances have cemented the characters as modern Disney classics. Fans can also look forward to more adventures from Arendelle, as a third film is already in the works, with an anticipated release date in November 2027.
More Than Just a Voice: Kristen Bell’s Connection to Anna
Kristen Bell’s connection to Anna goes beyond just voicing the character; she has helped shape Anna’s vibrant personality and enduring appeal. Bell’s own spirited and compassionate nature shines through, making Anna one of Disney’s most beloved and relatable princesses. Her genuine surprise at Ben’s disdain for Elsa highlights her deep personal investment in the characters and their narratives.
Andy Cohen’s children, Ben, now 6, born in February 2019, and daughter Lucy, now 3, who arrived in April 2022, both via surrogacy, provide a glimpse into the unfiltered opinions of young audiences. These candid celebrity kid critiques, as reported by Parade, often lead to amusing and unexpected celebrity reactions.
Fan Theories and the ‘Elsa is Horrible’ Debate
Ben Cohen’s candid “hot take” on Elsa, while surprising to Kristen Bell, isn’t entirely unprecedented in fan circles. The Frozen community frequently engages in discussions about the sisters’ individual journeys and merits. Some fans resonate more with Anna’s optimistic and outwardly affectionate personality, finding her more approachable. Others appreciate Elsa’s complexity, her growth from fear to self-acceptance, and her powerful magic.
This particular interaction, widely reported by entertainment outlets like AOL, underscores the diverse ways in which audiences, especially children, connect with fictional characters. It’s a testament to the depth of the Frozen narrative that even its youngest viewers can form such strong, albeit sometimes controversial, opinions. The debate over who the “better” sister is—or why one might be perceived as “horrible”—continues to be a lively topic among enthusiasts, adding another layer to the enduring legacy of Arendelle’s royal siblings, as also noted by sources like People.
