Based on Hans Christen Andersen’s The Snow Queen, Disney began working on its version of the tale back in 2010, but put it on hold because of ‘story issues.’ Production is now surging forward with a release date set for November 2013 and cast announcements that include Kristen Bell (Forgetting Sarah Marshall) and Idina Menzel (Wicked). In its official press release, Disney gave this synopsis:

In “Frozen,” a prophecy traps a kingdom in eternal winter, so Anna (voice of Bell) must team up with Kristoff, a daring mountain man, on the grandest of journeys to find the Snow Queen (voice of Menzel) and put an end to the icy spell. Encountering Everest-like extremes, mystical creatures and magic at every turn, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom from destruction.

Click here for the full press release.

In addition, Disney has brought on Chris Buck (Tarzan) to direct and Tony award winner Robert Lopez (The Book of Mormon, Avenue Q) and wife Kristen Anderson-Lopez (In Transit, Winnie the Pooh) to write the original songs for the picture.

Based on the prior credits of the song team, and Kristen Bell’s ability to consistently make me laugh, it looks like we’re in for some fun. I’m imagining songs akin to Beauty and the Beast‘s ‘Gaston’ and Tangled‘s ‘I Have a Dream’. I just hope we get a good ballad out of it too. I wasn’t all that happy with the one from Tangled,  and it would be a shame not to use Idina Menzel’s voice to its fullest.

What are you most excited about? Or most concerned about? Leave your answers in the comments!