Frozen 2's Deleted Water Spirit Scene Pinpoints A Key Problem With Kristoff's Character

Summary Kristoff's deleted scene with the Water Nokk in Frozen 2 reveals a major problem with his character.

The deleted scene would have given Kristoff more depth than the previous films have, and it's something he desperately needs.

Disney should give Kristoff his own goals and storyline in Frozen 3 or Frozen 4.

There are a number of scenes that were deleted from Frozen 2, and one involving a water spirit pinpoints a major problem with Kristoff's character. Frozen 2 was a massive success after its 2019 debut, with the Disney sequel grossing an impressive $1.4 billion during its time in theaters. It's no wonder the movie did so well. It brought back the characters and world from the 2013 hit, while simultaneously adding new songs and expanding the lore around Elsa's icy powers. The latter involved introducing ancient spirits, and one of them had an extra scene that was cut.

Surprisingly, the scene in question didn't involve Elsa — and it didn't even have anything to do with her character arc. Frozen 2's cut Water Nokk moment would have had a lighter tone than the spirit's other appearances, and it would have centered Kristoff as a character. In fact, this deleted Water Nokk scene would have fixed a major problem with Kristoff in the Frozen movies. Because it was cut, Frozen 3 will need to address this issue instead.

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Frozen 2's Deleted Water Spirit Scene Would Have Given Kristoff Way More Depth

The Nokk Was Supposed To Reveal His True Feelings About Arendelle

A deleted scene from Frozen 2 would have seen Kristoff interacting with the Water Nokk, the shape-shifting water spirit that Elsa encounters when she crosses the Dark Sea to reach Ahtohallan. In the cut sequence, the Nokk would run into Kristoff, Olaf, and Anna (via Fandango at Home). It would try to give Kristoff a ride, leading to hesitation on his part. Olaf implies that his reluctance stems from him being dishonest about something. Nokks are said to drown those who aren't being truthful, which would explain Kristoff's fear of the creature.

Nokks are said to drown those who aren't being truthful, which would explain Kristoff's fear of the creature.

As the Nokk nearly does drown Kristoff, Olaf's observation turns out to be true. This, of course, raises questions about what Kristoff is hiding. And apparently, the original Frozen 2 plan saw him admitting that he didn't want to remain in Arendelle. With Anna committed to her home — especially after becoming queen at the end of Frozen 2 — this would have created conflict within their relationship. That's likely one of the reasons the scene was cut. However, its existence pinpoints a major problem with Kristoff's character.

Frozen 2's Original Kristoff Plan Pinpoints A Major Problem With His Character

Kristoff Needs More Depth In Future Frozen Movies

Frozen 2's original Kristoff plan didn't come to fruition, but it does pinpoint an issue with his character in the first two films: his lack of depth. Kristoff is introduced as the goofy guy whose heart is much purer than that of Hans. He's the better love interest for Anna because of his kindness and easygoing personality, but the films don't offer much beyond that. Kristoff rarely gets angry or talks about his own motivations. Frozen 2's deleted Water Nokk scene would have been the perfect way to highlight him as an individual character rather than Anna's love interest.

Frozen 2's deleted Water Nokk scene would have been the perfect way to highlight him as an individual character rather than Anna's love interest.

Given that Frozen 3 and 4 are confirmed and in the works, Disney will need to keep the characters' arcs interesting for at least two more sequels. Giving Kristoff a surprising inner conflict would have kept his storyline feeling fresh, even if it caused problems between him and Anna. While the writers may have decided that this approach wasn't the best for Kristoff, there's undeniably a feeling that he needs something to give him as much depth as Frozen's heroines. It's easy to see why this moment was cut, but the writers should consider giving Kristoff a similar storyline later.

The Disney Sequel Couldn't Use This Scene Without Ruining Kristoff & Anna's Relationship

Kristoff's Cut Revelation Would Have Driven A Wedge Between Them

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Frozen 2 writer and director Jennifer Lee may have wanted to keep the Water Nokk a more mysterious entity in Frozen 2, but the movie's deleted Kristoff scene would also have raised problems for Kristoff and Anna's romance. While some conflict between the characters isn't terrible, injecting too much doubt over their relationship is a recipe for disaster. Kristoff and Anna are beloved among Frozen fans, and the first two movies work hard to portray them as an ideal couple. There's little doubt that having Kristoff and Anna break up over Arendelle would be an unpopular choice.

There's little doubt that having Kristoff and Anna break up over Arendelle would be an unpopular choice.

Of course, it's likely the pair would have gotten back together in Frozen 3, perhaps after Kristoff realized that leaving Arendelle wasn't all he thought it would be. However, it was probably the right choice to avoid stirring doubt among the characters and fan base. It might have been difficult to re-sell the latter on Frozen's main couple after driving a wedge between them. That said, Frozen 3 should return to this deleted Frozen 2 storyline — or an altered version of it — in order to give Kristoff the much-needed depth he deserves.

Frozen 3 Needs To Come Up With A Similar Subplot For Kristoff's Character

Kristoff Needs A Storyline Separate From His Relationship With Anna

While the Water Nokk storyline probably wouldn't work for Frozen 2 or future sequels, the upcoming additions to the franchise should try to give Kristoff his own subplot. It can be related to Arendelle — perhaps sending him away from the kingdom temporarily rather than permanently — or something else. Whatever it is, Frozen 3 must establish more depth for the character by giving him a storyline separate from Anna's. In the first two Frozen movies, much of Kristoff's arc revolves around Anna, whether he's searching for her or helping her.

Frozen 2's deleted Water Nokk scene acknowledges that Kristoff can be multifaceted and have his own interests, something that Frozen 3 must also grapple with.

It makes sense that so much of the initial Frozen movies centers on Anna and Elsa, but Disney green-lighting multiple sequels gives the franchise a chance to explore supporting characters as well. As Kristoff holds such a prominent role in Anna's life, he's an obvious choice. It'd be fascinating to see a side of him that isn't just kind and goofy, even if that's who he is deep down. Frozen 2's deleted Water Nokk scene acknowledges that Kristoff can be multifaceted and have his own interests, something Frozen 3 must also grapple with.

It's unclear if the Water Nokk and other Spirits of the Forest will return in Frozen 3, though Elsa's journey makes it seem inevitable. Even if they don't, there are other ways the series can expand on Kristoff's character without using the same approach as Frozen 2's deleted scene. The important thing is that the upcoming sequels show a new side to this character, making him a well-rounded individual rather than just a love interest or comic relief.

Source: Fandango at Home

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