‘Frozen’ Icon Josh Gad Emerges as Menacing ‘Star Wars’ Commander for New Project
Josh Gad has become one of Disney’s most recognizable voices thanks to his role as Olaf, but his latest appearance has fans seeing a completely different side of the actor.
Instead of bringing smiles as the lovable snowman from Frozen (2013), Gad recently appeared wearing a uniform associated with one of the most intimidating organizations in the Star Wars universe.
Footage shared online shows the Disney star surrounded by what appears to be a filming crew, raising questions about what he was doing.
Although Disney hasn’t officially revealed the purpose of the appearance, the unusual sight has given fans another entertaining moment involving the actor.
And this isn’t the first time Gad has surprised visitors by stepping into an unexpected Disney role.
Disney Star Spotted Wearing First Order Uniform
Gad recently appeared inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park, where visitors spotted him dressed as a First Order officer.
The costume resembled the uniforms worn by officers in Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, a popular attraction in the themed land.
In an Instagram video posted by @jaimanderson, Gad stood near several crew members who appeared to be working on a filming project.
While his outfit made him look like a serious First Order officer, the actor still found time for a friendly interaction.
The footage shows Gad giving a young visitor a fist bump before continuing with the apparent filming.
The Instagram user suggested that the actor was participating in a commercial, although Disney has not confirmed exactly what the production involved.
Given Gad’s previous appearances in Disney promotional projects, another Disneyland commercial seems possible.
However, nothing currently suggests that the actor has officially joined an upcoming Star Wars film or television project.
A Surprising Change From His Famous Disney Character
For audiences familiar with Gad’s Disney career, his latest costume makes for an amusing contrast.
The actor voices Olaf in Frozen (2013) and Frozen II (2019), bringing humor and warmth to the animated franchise.
Olaf’s cheerful personality has made him a favorite among Disney fans, especially younger audiences who recognize his enthusiasm for friendship and warm hugs.
The First Order represents something entirely different.
Throughout the Star Wars universe, the military organization relies on fear, authority, and force to maintain control.
Seeing Gad dressed as one of its officers is certainly a departure from the friendly snowman audiences associate with his voice.
However, the actor has developed a history of taking on unexpected roles throughout Disney’s theme parks.
Josh Gad Has Surprised Disney Guests Before
Over the past several years, Gad has stepped into various cast member positions, giving visitors opportunities to interact with him in unusual settings.
In 2023, he took over as a Jungle Cruise skipper at Disneyland, entertaining passengers aboard the classic boat attraction.
The following year, Gad appeared as a Disneyland Railroad conductor, trading his usual acting duties for a role aboard the park’s train.
His Disney adventures continued in 2025.
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Gad became a Kilimanjaro Safaris guide, helping visitors experience the attraction’s wildlife habitats.
He also embraced a completely different atmosphere when he dressed as a Haunted Mansion butler.
Earlier in 2026, the actor joined Disneyland’s Storybook Land Canal Boats, entertaining guests while guiding them through the attraction’s miniature Disney scenes.
These appearances have become a fun way for Gad to connect with park visitors beyond his familiar animated character.
His First Order transformation continues that tradition, although the intimidating uniform makes this appearance particularly unusual.
Several Major Projects Are Still Ahead
While Gad continues surprising theme park visitors, he also has several upcoming movies on his schedule.
The actor will return as Chuck in The Angry Birds Movie 3 (2026), scheduled for December 23.
He is also attached to the Untitled Ocean’s Prequel (2027) and will appear in Spaceballs: The New One (2027), which is scheduled for April.
Another upcoming animated project, Oh, the Places You’ll Go! (2028), will feature Gad in a voice role.
Disney fans, however, have another major release to anticipate.
Gad will return as Olaf in Frozen III (2027), scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 24.
The sequel will continue Anna and Elsa’s story while bringing back the snowman who helped make Gad a familiar name among Disney audiences.
Another Unexpected Moment for Disney Fans
Disney has not announced when the footage featuring Gad in his First Order costume might become available.
Whether the project turns out to be another Disneyland commercial or something else entirely, the actor has once again surprised visitors with an unexpected appearance.
And while fans will soon hear him return as Olaf, his latest Disneyland adventure proves that even Disney’s friendliest snowman can occasionally embrace the dark side.
