Ice Age 6: The Human Takeover (2026)

Ice Age: The Human Takeover
The Story Ends, and The Extinction Commences...
Directed by	Chris Wedge Carlos Saldanha
Produced by	John C. Donkin Lori Forte
Story by	Chris Wedge
Written by	Michael J. Wilson Michael Berg
Starring	Ray Romano John Leguizamo Denis Leary David Menkin Miranda Cosgrove Forest Whitaker Chris Wedge Karen Disher Queen Latifah Seann William Scott Josh Peck
Music by	Hans Zimmer John Powell David Newman
Editing by	John Carnochan
Production company(s)	20th Century Animation
Distributed by	20th Century Studios
Release date(s)	March 9, 2026
Running time	124 Minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Rating	PG
Budget	$250
Box office	$967.6 million

Ice Age: The Human Takeover is a 2026 American 3D computer-animated adventure comedy-drama film produced and distributed by 20th Century Studios. It is the sixth and final main installment in the Ice Age film series, the seventh installment overall in the Ice Age franchise, and the direct sequel to Ice Age: Collision Course (2016), while ignoring the events of the previous film, The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild (2022). The film was directed by Chris Wedge and Carlos Saldanha, written by Michael J. Wilson and Michael Berg, and produced by John C. Donkin and Lori Forte. The music for the film was composed by Hans Zimmer, John Powell and David Newman. It was released on March 9th, 2026.

The film stars Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, Queen Latifah, Chris Wedge, Karen Disher, Seann William Scott, Josh Peck, Jack Black, Diedrich Bader, Alan Tudyk, Keke Palmer, Adam DeVine, Josh Gad, Jessie J, Joy Behar, Jennifer Lopez, Cedric the Entertainer, Stephen Root, Jay Leno, and Bill Hader. The returning cast is joined by David Menkin as a returning character from the first film, with Forest Whitaker, Miranda Cosgrove, Jacob Hopkins, Amy Poehler, Bobby Moynihan, John Mulaney, Ellie Kemper, Max Charles, Kari Wahlgren, Jack Gore, Ariel Winter, Tara Strong, Ashley Tisdale, Vivien Lyra Blair, and Nancy Cartwright voicing new characters.

The film was theatrically released on March 9, 2026 in the United States, and received positive reviews from critics and audiences for Wedge and Carlos' direction, humor, emotional scenes, voice acting, animation, human characters, musical score, nods to the previous four films, the unacknowledged events of the Buck Wild film, and the satisfying resolution for Scrat. It was a massive box office success and grossed $967.6 million.

Synopsis

In this thrilling sixth and final chapter of the Ice Age series, Sid, Manny, and Diego reunite with their old human companion from the first film, Roshan, who delivers a dire message about a mammal hunting season posed by evil hunters. As this new peril looms over their existence, The Herd, joined by Scrat, and Scratte, band together with Roshan and his trusty partner Roxanne, and embark on a perilous journey to thwart the human hunters and safeguard the continuation of their way of life.

Plot

The film begins with Scrat climbing a cliff in search of the elusive acorn. When he finally finds it, he tries to grab it, but his ex-wife, Scratte, tried to grab it, and the two were shocked to see their faces again. She’s still upset with him for dumping her in the third film (Dawn of the Dinosuars), and Scrat tries to make up for it. Afterwards, the two stumble upon three human hunters who start chasing them down. Scrat screams in fear as the hunters toss their spears at him, but Scratte, showing no fear, dodges them. They both make it to the cliffside, and Scratte jumps off the mountain, flying with Scrat hanging onto her tail. She shakes Scrat off, making him fall into Herd Valley. He survives the fall but gets stepped on by Julian, the mammoth from 5th film (Collision Course), and Louis, the molehog from the 4th film (Continental Drift). They were both dashing through Herd Valley, Julian carefully cradling a Glyptodon shell with fresh water, while Louis lugged a hefty load of juicy berries destined for Peaches, who is now pregnant with a baby. Julian was determined to ensure everything was just right for her, but she lovingly reassured him not to fret too much. The entire Herd was on edge, eagerly anticipating the arrival of the baby, but as of yet, there was no sign of its imminent arrival.

Sid, Manny, and Diego strolled through the serene landscape, engaging in deep conversation. Despite their relaxed demeanor, they couldn't shake the feeling of missing an old friend they had encountered in the past. Nonetheless, their spirits remained jovial as they made their way to visit Peaches, where they lovingly conversed with the baby nestled within her womb. Meanwhile, Scratte observed The Herd from a distance, feeling a twinge of jealousy at their seemingly idyllic lives. However, beneath her envy, she also felt a sense of happiness for their contentment. On the other hand, Scrat, witnessing The Herd's joyous moment, yearned to reconcile with Scratte. Yet, he faced a challenge as she deliberately maintained her distance from him.

The members of The Herd had also entered a new phase in their lives, with many of them starting families. Diego and Shira, for instance, were raising two lively cubs named Zang and Nina. Shira devoted herself to instilling in them the proper values of behavior, emphasizing the significance of refraining from hunting or preying on others. Contrarily, Diego held the belief that scolding them at such a young age might not be the most effective approach as they were still in the early stages of learning. Elsewhere, Sid and Brooke were immersed in the joyful chaos of raising their three children, Jason, Danny, and Maggie. Sid took it upon himself to pass on the distinct lifestyle of sloths to his offspring, with the invaluable assistance of Granny, who had returned to Herd Valley after bidding farewell to her time in Geotopia.

As the radiant sun slowly descended below the horizon, casting a spectacular golden hue over the serene and picturesque beach of Herd Valley, Sid, Manny, and Diego gathered together to bask in the tranquil symphony of the waves washing ashore. As the evening unfolded, Manny found himself teetering between elation and apprehension upon learning that he was soon to become a grandfather. Seeking advice from his friends, Sid and Diego offered reassurance, urging him to allow his daughter to pursue her happiness and embrace her future. Suddenly, the scene was interrupted as Scrat anxiously appeared. He implored them for assistance in reconciling with Scratte. Ever the ingenious strategist, Sid proposed a thoughtful gesture to win over Scratte's heart. With painstaking dedication, he meticulously fashioned a breathtaking wooden plate adorned with intricate floral motifs, placing Scrat's cherished acorn atop it as a poignant symbol of his unwavering devotion. However, as the heartfelt offering was presented to Scratte, the response was far from what they had anticipated. She vehemently slapped the plate into Scrat's astonished visage, eliciting a collective gasp from the bystanders. Following this awkward encounter, Scrat found himself seated alongside his companions on the tranquil beach, enveloped in a shroud of sadness and disillusionment. They shared anecdotes of their amorous pursuits and the trials they encountered meeting the love of their lives, offering words of encouragement to lift Scrat's spirits. They affirmed that securing Scratte's affection would be a challenging endeavor, but with perseverance and self-improvement, he could ultimately win her heart.

Later that night, Louis could feel his heart racing with nervous excitement, as he wanted to make a good impression on Luna, a female molehog that had caught his eye. With Peaches and Julian by his side whispering words of encouragement, he mustered up the courage to approach Luna and her companions. As he neared the group, Louis could feel the weight of their scrutinizing eyes upon him. Despite his attempts to say hello, the response he received was not what he had hoped for, and Luna and the other female hogs greeted him with mocking laughter and disdain, causing a wave of disappointment to wash over him. Peaches, who had been cheering him on, disapproved of their behavior, feeling just as disheartened as Louis. Feeling dejected, Louis retreated with a heavy heart, but Peaches and Julian gave him the strength to not give up. With their encouragement, he vowed to gather his courage and make another attempt to connect with Luna, determined to not let the initial setback deter him from pursuing a potential connection.

The following day, Scrat, Sid, Manny, and Diego enjoyed a leisurely walk through the picturesque valley, lost in animated conversation. Suddenly, their lively chatter was engulfed by unfamiliar sounds reverberating through the air. As they cautiously started to retreat, they stumbled upon a female Neanderthal named Roxanne. Her eyes sparkled with recognition as she locked eyes with the trio, leaving them utterly bewildered. Much to their astonishment, they soon came to realize that her companion was none other than Roshan, the infant they had rescued in the first film, who had now matured into an exceptional adult. Overwhelmed with emotions, Manny, Diego, and Sid enveloped Roshan in a warm and loving embrace. After the heartwarming reunion, Roshan revealed a profound desire to share troubling developments with them and sought their assistance in informing Manny's Herd about this urgent matter.

Scratte, The Herd and the inhabitants of Herd Valley met Roshan, and he began sharing the alarming news. He informed everyone about a human takeover orchestrated by "Lord Cazador," a fearsome human hunter. He also disclosed that the hunters had unjustly killed numerous innocent mammals, instilling great fear in them all. Peaches was deeply unsettled by the news, especially as she and Julian were expecting a baby. Roshan presented Manny with a drawing of Lord Cazador, which made him remember that he was the evil hunter who had killed Manny's family in the past. This revelation fueled Manny's determination to seek vengeance and defeat the ruthless hunter. In response to the impending threat, Manny decided that the mammals and hyraxes of Herd Valley should relocate to a safer area, while he and his Herd would join forces with Roshan and Roxxane to battle the malevolent hunters. This decision also intensified Scrat's desperation to protect Scratte, earn her affection, and shield her from harm, despite her lingering anger towards him.

As the vibrant hues of the setting sun painted the sky, Ellie, Peaches, Julian, and the rest of The Herd gathered closely around Manny. Eager to learn about his tumultuous past, having endured the heartbreaking loss of his family to the hunters, they formed a protective circle around him, signaling their support and empathy. With a heavy heart, Manny began to recount the harrowing tale, his voice filled with emotion as he revealed the names of his past son and wife, Emily and Mathhwe. The Herd listened intently, their expressions reflecting a mix of sorrow and understanding. As Manny poured out his heart, a wave of empathy washed over them. Ellie and Peaches, in particular, held him close, their comforting presence offering reassurance in the face of his pain. As the night settled in, Scrat stealthily made his way past the slumbering Herd, his vigilant eyes scanning the moonlit surroundings for any sign of Scratte. Finally, he spotted her meticulously crafting a shelter for herself, her movements illuminated by the soft moonlight as the first drops of rain began to fall. Despite his yearning for companionship and solace, she steadfastly denied him entry into her sanctuary. Witnessing Scrat's plight, The Herd extended an invitation for him to seek refuge in their shelter, offering him a sense of safety and belonging. With gratitude and relief, Scrat found himself surrounded by the warmth of The Herd, feeling safe and welcomed among his newfound companions.

The next morning, Lord Cazador gathered his tribe of ruthless human hunters to begin their preparations for the upcoming mammal hunt. Still reeling from their former leader Soto's downfall at the hands of Manny, Diego, and the three tigers, Zeke, Oscar, and Lenny reluctantly found themselves compelled to serve as Cazador's henchmen, bound to follow his commands and join his tribe. As time passed, the three tigers grappled with the moral implications of their allegiance and the righteousness of their actions. Meanwhile, Cazador appointed his henchmen, led by the unwavering Morgan, to accompany him. This devoted group included Hera, Damian, and Barret. Cazador instructed them to take a separate route to search for the mammals, while he, the rest of the hunters, and the tigers forged their way toward Herd Valley.

Back at Herd Valley, the mammals and hyraxes gathered to begin their arduous migration to a more promising location. Manny and his Herd convened to strategize their journey with Roshan and Roxanne. Amidst the flurry of activity as the mammals prepared to migrate, Luna found herself compelled to join The Herd, swayed by Louis' passionate and persuasive pleading. As the group planned everything out, Diego and Shira were accompanied by The Herd's old friend, Buck Wild. He even brought along the pumpkin he named, "Bronwyn". After meticulously planning their route, guided by Roshan's intimate knowledge of the terrain, Roshan, Roxanne, and The Herd set off. Amid the bustle and commotion, Scrat made the decision to follow along with The Herd, since Scratte was also following them.

As they continued their journey, Sid, Manny, and Diego fondly recalled the thrilling tale of their daring rescue of Roshan and their relentless efforts to reunite him with his father. They vividly described the challenges they faced in the first film, including their encounters with the quirky Dodo Birds, their treacherous navigation through snowy landscapes, exhilarating ice sliding, perilous crossings through the lava bridge, and the intense confrontation with the formidable saber-toothed tiger, Soto. Additionally, the trio and the rest of The Herd passionately recounted the events of the previous films (The Meltdown, Dawn of the Dinosaurs, Continental Drift, and a tiny bit of events from Collision Course). Throughout the trip, Scrat made consistent efforts to connect with Peaches, Julian, and the rest of The Herd. His goal was to seek their guidance on how to win Scratte's heart while also endeavoring to overcome his excessive attachment to the acorn. Following their journey, the group came across Fast Tony, a character from the second film. He had been spreading rumors among other mammals about the mammal hunting season. Fearing for his safety, he decided to join The Herd in search of protection and security, much to Manny's dismay, since Fast Tony talks often.

While journeying through, Scrat sought Julian's advice on how to win over the affection of Scratte. After some deliberation, Scrat decided to present Scratte with her favorite flowers. Julian recommended buttercups, which Scrat dutifully sought out and presented to Scratte. However, instead of accepting the gesture, she unexpectedly tossed the buttercups into Scrat's face. Despite the unexpected turn of events, Julian comforted Scrat by acknowledging his effort.

Later, Peaches began to experience sharp, searing pain in her stomach, a sure sign that her unborn child was stirring in her womb. The entire Herd swiftly mobilized, their main priority being to find a secure and sheltered location to spend the night, ensuring they were all nestled in a peaceful and protected environment away from prying eyes. Scrat, with his keen sense of direction, led The Herd to a secluded forest that seemed to be the perfect spot for them to rest. As soon as they arrived, everyone sprang into action. While the rest of The Herd worked on building shelter, Peaches found herself overcome by the weight of the impending arrival of her baby. She and Julian sat down, the soft glow of the rising moon casting a serene light on the surroundings. Scrat, remained faithfully by their side, offering Peaches his cherished acorn in a gesture of support. Despite her pain, Peaches graciously declined the offer, but in a thoughtful gesture, suggested that Scratte might appreciate it. Meanwhile, Sid, Diego, Manny, Buck, and Roshan set out into the surrounding wilderness to forage for nourishment. They searched meticulously, gathering an assortment of ripe fruits and fresh vegetation, carefully selecting the best sustenance to provide for Peaches during and after labor.

As Sid ventured deeper into the dense, towering forest in search of more sustenance for Peaches, a surprised gasp escaped his lips as he stumbled upon an unexpected sight – his family. Their sudden appearance sent a surge of conflicting emotions rushing through him, from elation at the prospect of reunion to the old wounds of desertion that still haunted him. The pain of their past abandonment loomed large in his mind, eclipsing the initial rush of joy. Sid found himself torn between hope and skepticism, grappling with the weighty dilemma of whether he could bring himself to trust his family again. Uncertain and struggling with his inner turmoil, Sid made the difficult choice to turn away from them and continue on his path, feeling that they might repeat their previous actions. Unbeknownst to him, his family realized the error of their ways and earnestly sought to make amends, but their attempts at reconciliation were met with Sid's guarded rejection. Later that evening, as the group prepared to rest for the night, they unexpectedly encountered the enigmatic Lone Gunslinger and the Vulture clan from the second film (The Meltdown). They had been living in hiding, forced into seclusion after some of their members became victims of the cruel actions of the evil hunters. Sensing the shared threat they all faced, The Herd reached a compassionate decision to open their refuge to the Vultures, and they spent the night together in the jungle. Amidst the lush foliage and soothing sounds of the jungle, Roshan, Sid, Diego, and Manny engaged in a heartfelt conversation, expressing their overwhelming joy at being reunited with each other.

As The Herd slept on, Julian was haunted by a distressing nightmare. In it, he witnessed Peaches being left alone and tragically falling victim to a group of hunters. This deeply heightened his concerns for her safety, and he kept watch over her throughout the night. Manny then wakes up to find Julian stressing. Manny tells Julian what it's like to worry about his loved ones, and that he must continue to stay strong throughout the journey.

While Sid was still sound asleep, he was unexpectedly whisked away by the tribe of Mini-Sloths from the second film. The following morning, Brooke raised the alarm about Sid's disappearance. They embarked on a comprehensive search through the forest until they eventually located Sid with the Mini-Sloths. The Mini-Sloths were in the midst of performing their famous song from the second film, with Sid once again assuming the role of their "fire king." After this joyful reunion, the Mini-Sloths informed The Herd that they had previously spotted humans passing by and had noted the direction in which they had gone.

Later on, Lord Cazador, his malevolent human hunter tribe, and Zeke, Oscar, and Lenny ventured into Herd Valley, only to find it eerily devoid of any inhabitants. Undeterred, the hunters meticulously scour every nook and cranny of the valley, until Lord Cazador's keen eyes spy a colossal mammoth footprint, unmistakably belonging to Manny. This intriguing find sets his mind racing with speculation about the possible location of their next destination.

As the group went on, Sid's attention was drawn to a delicate dandelion swaying gently in the breeze. Oblivious to its ownership, he plucked it and took a bite, only to realize that it belonged to Carl and Frank, his adversaries from the first film. Inevitably, they erupted into fury and began chasing after Sid. Amid this escalating chaos, Manny proposed that the two rhinos join them on their journey and forge a bond with the sloth.

Roshan is perched on the craggy edge of a towering mountain, his eyes gazing into the distant horizon as he reflects on the fateful day when he lost his beloved father, Runar, to the clutches of Lord Cazador and his merciless army. The memory of Runar's final moments and his dying wish for Roshan to vanquish Lord Cazador and establish a world where both humans and animals could coexist in peaceful harmony weigh heavily on Roshan's mind. However, amidst the pain and grief, Roshan finds solace and strength from his unwavering friends Sid, Diego, Manny, and Roxanne, who stand by him with unwavering support. Their shared resolve infuses Roshan with renewed determination as he prepares to embark on the next phase of his perilous journey. After hearing this, Scrat is struck by a profound realization. He is astonished to see the depth of the bond between Roshan and his friends, realizing that the values of family and friendship is more important than any treasured acorn.

As the group ventured on their journey, they encountered the evil hunters dispatched by Lord Cazador. A climactic conflict ensued as Manny, Julian, Diego, Buck, Roshan, and Roxanne clashed with the hunters. Barrett made a move to attack Peaches, but Julian intervened, using his trunk to fend him off. Meanwhile, Hera attempted to strike Granny, who fearlessly countered the attack with her cane. Buck skillfully diverted the hunters' attention, allowing the others to escape, and Damian started chasing Sid, but he was saved by Ellie. In the midst of the chaos, Scrat valiantly confronted Morgan an ultimately triumphed, utilizing Buck's sword, waving it around due to it's weight, and (accidentally) strikes Morgan in the eye. Overcome with fear, Morgan and his team fled, while The Herd hailed Scrat as a hero, celebrating his remarkable bravery. Scrat's face lit up as he knew he saved The Herd's lives for the first time.

The group stumbled upon a steep and dark cave that led to a safe haven. After traversing through it, the cave suddenly started to crumble. After a brief moment of hesitation, a massive boulder came rolling towards them, forcing them to flee out of the cave in a hurry. Eventually, all of them managed to escape, with Scrat, Julian, and Peaches being the last ones to exit. Fortunately, the giant boulder got stuck at the exit, allowing them to avoid any further danger. Later that evening, while the others were preparing to sleep, Sid stumbled upon another dandelion. He picked it up, hoping to offer it to Carl and Frank as a token of his apology. Upon receiving it, the two rhinos started to warm up to Sid, realizing his good intentions.

As night falls, The Herd settles in for sleep, unaware of the danger looming in the shadows. Lord Cazador silently approaches, along with the human pack, instructing them to divide into groups to create chaos and diversion. Suddenly, a noise disrupts the peace, causing Ellie, Peaches, Shira, Brooke, the sloth triplets, Luna, and Scratte to stir from their slumber. As they investigate, they find themselves surrounded by the hunters, with Cazador ominously emerging, intent on capturing them and holding them hostage.

On the following day, The Herd realized that Ellie, Luna, Peaches, Shira, Brooke, Sid's children, and Scratte were missing. The group immediately split up to search for their missing friends. While scouring the area, Scrat stumbled upon Barrett, who had managed to capture Scratte. Despite his valiant attempt to rescue her, Scrat's efforts were in vain, and the two hastily fled with Scratte. The remaining members of The Herd gathered anxiously, listening intently to Roshan and Roxanne's plan to launch a daring invasion on the hunters at their base, thus preparing for a potentially risky and decisive confrontation with their adversaries. Afterwards, they travel threw the Ice Age, through windy areas, to dangerous jungles.

We learn that the hunters have managed to capture all the other mammals and hyraxes from Herd Valley, The Herd members, and many other prehistoric mammals. Lord Cazador begins demonstrating his dominance over them until The Herd, Scrat, Roshan, and Roxanne arrive to challenge Cazador and his men in a high-stakes showdown. Cazador reveals that he has a bigger tribe of humans, and The Herd must defeat them all, one at a time. Scrat bravely fights off the humans by scratching them with his claws to save Scratte, who is guarded by Morgan and now wears an eyepatch. Meanwhile, Louis wields the sword he had in the fourth film and manages to fight the human, saving Luna, and she becomes impressed with his bravery. Diego frees Shira, but they get into a fight with two hunters, and they are almost killed in the process. However, Zang, Nina, Zeke, Oscar, and Lenny jump into action to save them just in time. Two hunters set their sights on Sid, until Carl and Frank take both of them down, giving Sid a chance to rescue Brooke, his children, and his family, who now feel remorse for abandoning him. Meanwhile, Crash and Eddie use their spitballs to slow down two hunters who where in the process of stepping on them. Back to Scrat, he eventually saves Scratte, and she falls in love with him again due to his bravery and heroism. As The Herd starts to feel weak after fighting the hunters, the tribe of Mini-Sloths, the Vultures, Precious, Rudy, Mamma Dino, and the Dino triplets join the battle to save The Herd. After this, Morgan's tribe hide in fear. They successfully take down the hunters, while Scrat defeats Morgan, leaving the others safe and sound. However, as The Herd finally feels safe and out of harm's way, Ellie and Peaches suddenly vanish. To Manny's shock, he sees Ellie and Peaches tied to the very same wall where his own family met their tragic fate at the hands of Lord Cazador. In a chilling turn of events, Lord Cazador hurls a colossal rock towards them, clearly intending to end their lives. As Manny is besieged by a harrowing flashback of the demise of his own family, he experiences a tumult of emotions and comes to a life-altering decision – he will make the ultimate sacrifice. Without a second thought, he springs into action, freeing Ellie and Peaches from the deadly trap, and willingly allows himself to be crushed by the gigantic rock in their stead, much to everyone's horror.

Manny now has a broken-down body. He begins to feel weak, and his breathing becomes labored. As he senses his impending death, he bids a tearful farewell to his friends in The Herd, Peaches, Ellie, and his loyal companions, Sid, Diego, and Roshan. Peaches, trembling emotionally, asks why he sacrificed himself, and Manny responded, "That's what you do in a Herd. You look out for each other." After Manny finally passes away, The Herd, Scrat, Scratte, Roshan, Roxanne, and everyone else stand together, watching the tragedy that unfolds before them. Ellie and Peaches stand beside Manny's lifeless body, tears streaming down their faces and into Manny's eyes. However, their emotional scene is abruptly interrupted by Lord Cazador, who mocks and laughs at the scene. As Peaches' rage boiled within her, she made the courageous decision to confront Lord Cazador, defying overwhelming odds with sheer determination. In a fierce battle, she weakened Cazador, leaving him unable to fight back, and Roshan finally struck him down with his spear, fulfilling his father's last wish. Morgan's tribe run away in fear after Peaches does a mammoth growl at them. Following this intense confrontation, Peaches once again went into labor, and a flurry of activity ensued as everyone rushed to her aid. Roshan and Scrat, unwavering in support, stayed by her side throughout the labor. Meanwhile, Scratte, The Herd, and the others grabbed berries and water, ensuring that Peaches had the necessary equipment for the challenging ordeal.

However, Peaches already gave birth to a baby mammoth, much to everyone's relief. Peaches experienced the emotional and overwhelming joy of seeing her son's face for the first time. She, alongside Julian, decided to name him "Matthew." Everyone in The Herd gathered around to meet the adorable baby, feeling a mix of joy and sadness after Manny's passing, wishing he could meet the baby. However, their sorrow turned into disbelief when they made a stunning discovery: Manny, whom they thought was dead, was still alive. As soon as Sid, Diego, Roshan and Ellie saw Manny, they ran towards him, their eyes filled with happiness and relief as they had been worried about him. They embraced him tightly, expressing their joy at being reunited. Manny's timely return allowed him to meet his daughter's newborn son, also named "Matthew" in tribute to Manny's first son. Manny looks at his grandson, realizing he clearly resembles his past son. Manny embraced the baby mammoth tightly and welcomed him to The Herd, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for being back with his loved ones. Afterward, Roshan and Roxanne lead the mammals back to the valley.

Back at Herd Valley, The Herd, Roshan, Roxanne, and the other mammals, gathered to joyously celebrate the wedding of Scrat and Scratte. The ceremony marked a significant moment as the two squirrels officially became husband and wife, prompting everyone to cheer in exuberant support. Following the heartfelt ceremony, Manny graciously welcomed the newlyweds into The Herd, honoring them with their well-deserved acorns as a token of their acceptance. Witnessing this, Scrat swiftly indulged in his acorn, feeling a profound sense of pride and accomplishment for fulfilling his lifelong pursuit. Scrat and Scratte cultivated close bonds with Peaches, Julian, and Matthew, integrating seamlessly into The Herd's warm embrace. For Manny and Ellie, observing their daughter and her newfound family filled their hearts with immense pride, a testament to their nurturing and guidance over the years. Amidst this joyous occasion, Manny found himself grappling with concerns about his daughter's future, prompting Sid to offer words of wisdom, encouraging him to relinquish his worries and embrace the present, reminiscent of the valuable lesson imparted in the second film.

Later on, Roshan and Roxanne, facing the challenging decision of leaving Herd Valley to seek a new home, bid a heartfelt farewell to Sid, Manny, and Diego. Despite Roshan's reluctance to leave, Roxanne reassured him that they could stay and live among the other mammals. In a surprising turn, Roshan revealed that he already considered Herd Valley their home. This realization brought the four of them together in an emotional and heartfelt hug. Afterward, Manny gave Roshan his dad's old necklace, which he had kept all of these years.

By the conclusion of the narrative, the lives of The Herd undergo a remarkable positive transformation; Peaches and Julian experience profound joy with the arrival of their new baby; Manny and Ellie embrace their roles as proud grandparents; Sid is reunited with his long lost family and is celebrated as a hero, receiving genuine respect and compassion; Diego and Shira's offspring learn to use prey only for their own safety and refrain from causing harm; Louis invests time in nurturing his relationship with his beloved, Luna, who will soon be his fiancée; Buck is considered a legendary hero; The Herd expands as the Mini-Sloths, The Vultures, Carl and Frank, Zeke, Oscar, Lenny, and Fast Tony join, choosing to make Herd Valley their home; As for Scrat, despite inadvertently causing significant upheaval on Earth, such as creating floods, splitting continents, and even unintentionally triggering an asteroid, he ultimately finds contentment after finally obtaining his elusive acorn and building a life with his new wife Scratte. And now a member of The Herd, he cherishes the moments spent with his friends. He, along with Scratte, become close friends with Peaches, Julian, and Matthew.

As the film draws to a close, Sid, Diego, Manny, and Roshan walk off into the distance. Their bond has grown stronger now that they have been reunited. During the movie credits, a montage of clips from the previous Ice Age films is shown, accompanied by the uplifting tune "Send Me on My Way."

Cast

Main Cast/Characters

• Ray Romano as Manny, a woolly mammoth and the leader of The Herd
• John Leguizamo as Sid, a ground sloth and the founder of The Herd
• Denis Leary as Diego, a saber-tooth tiger and a member of The Herd
• David Menkin as Roshan, the baby from the first film, who is now a brave grown adult. In this film, he reunites with The Herd to warn them about a possible mammal hunting season
• Forest Whitaker as Lord Cazador, an evil human hunter who killed Manny's past family and plans to start the next mammal hunting season
• Miranda Cosgrove as Roxanne, a Neanderthal girl - Roshan's girlfriend
• Queen Latifah as Ellie, a female woolly mammoth – Manny's wife
• Seann William Scott and Josh Peck as Crash and Eddie, two opossums and Ellie's adopted brothers
• Keke Palmer as Peaches, a female woolly mammoth – Manny and Ellie's daughter
• Adam DeVine as Julian, a woolly mammoth and Peaches' husband
• Chris Wedge as Scrat, a saber-toothed squirrel who tries to bury his acorn. In this film, he teams up with The Herd, and becomes an official member in the end after forming a strong-bond friendship with Peaches and Julian
• Karen Disher as Scratte, a female saber-toothed squirrel - Scrat's on-and-off love interest
• Jennifer Lopez as Shira, a female saber-tooth tiger – Diego's wife and former first-mate-pirate
• Jessie J as Brooke, a female ground sloth - Sid's wife and former resident of Geotopia
• Josh Gad as Louis, a molehog and Peaches' best friend
• Wanda Sykes as Granny, an aging ground sloth and Sid's grandmother
• Simon Pegg as Buck "Buckminster" Wild, a one-eyed fearless weasel who is daring, adventurous and a little eccentric
• Jacob Hopkins as Morgan, a daring human hunter - Lord Cazador's loyal henchman
• Amy Poehler as Hera, a confident and easygoing human hunter - Lord Cazador's henchwoman
• Bobby Moynihan as Damian, a wacky and wisecracking human hunter - Lord Cazador's henchman
• John Mulaney as Barrett, a troublesome and mischievous human hunter - Lord Cazador's henchmen
• Jack Black as Zeke, a saber-tooth tiger - Lord Cazador's henchmen and a former member of Soto's pack
• Diedrich Bader as Oscar, a saber-tooth tiger - Lord Cazador's henchmen and a former member of Soto's pack
• Alan Tudyk as Lenny, a saber-tooth tiger - Lord Cazador's henchmen and a former member of Soto's pack

Supporting Cast/Characters

• Cedric the Entertainer as Carl, an Embolotherium
• Stephen Root as Frank, a Brontops
• Clea Lewis as Female Mini-Sloth
• Jay Leno as Fast Tony, a giant armadillo
• Will Arnett as Lone Gunslinger Vulture
• Ellie Kemper as Emily, a female woolly mammoth – Manny's past wife who got killed by hunters in the flashback
• Max Charles as Matthew, a child woolly mammoth – Manny and Emily's past son who got killed by hunters in the flashback
• Kari Wahlgren as Matthew, a baby woolly mammoth - Peaches and Julian's son. They named after Manny's past son
• Nancy Cartwright as Jason, a ground sloth - Sid and Brooke's oldest child
• Tara Strong as Danny, a ground sloth - Sid and Brooke's middle child
• Vivien Lyra Blair as Maggie, a female ground sloth - Sid and Brooke's youngest child
• Jack Gore as Zang, a male saber tooth tiger - Diego and Shira's son
• Ariel Winter as Nina, a female saber tooth tiger - Diego and Shira's daughter
• Ashley Tisdale as Luna, a female molehog and Louis' love interest
• Alan Tudyk as Milton, Sid's father
• Joy Behar as Eunice, Sid's mother
• Ben Gleib as Marshall, Sid's brother
• Eddie "Piolín" Sotelo as Uncle Fungus, Sid's uncle
• Tara Strong as Zak, Sid's cousin
• Gavin MacIver-Wright as Bertie, Sid's childhood friend
• Frank Welker as:
  • Rudy, a rouge albino Baryonyx
  • Mamma, a female Tyrannosaurus Rex
  • Dino triplets (Egbert, Shelly and Yoko)
  • Precious, a giant whale and Granny's pet
• Drake as Ethan, a woolly mammoth (non-speaking role)
• Nicki Minaj as Steffie, a female woolly mammoth - Ethan's fiancé (non-speaking role)
• Heather Morris as Katie, a female woolly mammoth (non-speaking role)
• Ally Romano as Meghan, a female woolly mammoth (non-speaking role)
• Jason Fricchione as Ethan's Buddy, a woolly mammoth (non-speaking role)
• Jane Krakowski as Jennifer, a female ground sloth
• Lorri Bagley as Rachel, a female ground sloth
• Bill Hader as Gazelle

Development

After the release of the infamous Disney+ film, The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild (2022), the Ice Age franchise seemed to have lost its momentum. However, Chris Wedge took the initiative to revive the franchise. To broaden the franchise's appeal, Wedge ensured that the writers removed any contemporary cultural references and social media nods. In addition, characters from Ice Age: Collision Course (2016) were excluded from this installment, except for Julian and Brooke. Wedge's main goal for the sixth film was to capture the wit and charm of the franchise's first four installments, pay homage to iconic Ice Age memes and quotes, reintroduce beloved characters from earlier films, make the animation more like Continental Drift, focus on Manny's past family backstories, disregard the events of the Buck Wild film and make it non-canon, and move away from the lighthearted tone that characterized the previous four sequels. Furthermore, the team aimed to reintroduce the poignant ambiance that captivated audiences in the original 2002 film. Notably, the decision to bring back the human characters, including Roshan, from the inaugural film was intended to evoke a sense of nostalgia for long-time fans of the franchise. Following the implementation of these creative decisions, fans were intrigued and optimistic about giving the series another chance.

In December 2024, Chris Wedge announced that the film was in development.

As of January 5, 2025, an announcement poster was released, teasing the official release date of the film.

At the Licensing Expo on July 4, 2025, a promotional poster was showcased, unveiling the full title of the film: "Ice Age: The Human Takeover."

On November 7th, 2025, a teaser trailer was released.

On January 21, 2026, a full trailer was released.

Soundtrack

TBA

Reception

Critical Response

The film has garnered widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences alike. It has achieved an exceptional 87% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and an average rating of 94%. Rotten Tomatoes itself has heaped praise on the film, stating that it "ends the series on a higher note then it started". Fans have particularly commended Wedge and Carlos' direction, humor, voice acting, animation, emotional scenes, human characters, musical score, nods to the previous four films, the unacknowledged events of The Adventures of Buck Wild, and the satisfying resolution for Scrat.

Release

Ice Age 6: The Human Takeover was theatrically released on March 9, 2026, in the United States. It was rated PG by the Motion Picture Association Of America (MPAA) for rude humor, some peril, mild violence, and some language.

Home media

Ice Age 6: The Human Takeover was released on Blu-ray, DVD, and 4K Ultra HD on November 5, 2027, on 20th Century Studios Home Entertainment.

Sequels

TBA

Trivia

• This is the longest Ice Age film in the series, specifically 124 minutes (2 hours, 4 minutes).
• This is the third Ice Age film to be produced in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, the last two being Continental Drift and Collision Course.
• This is the first Ice Age film to be released in March since Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006).
• This is the third Ice Age film to be released in digital 3D, the last two being Dawn of the Dinosaurs, and Continental Drift.
• This is the first Ice Age film to include humans since the original Ice Age (2002) film.
  • Unlike in the first film, humans have the ability to talk with animals.

• Due to the negative reception of The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild (2022), Walt Disney Pictures had nothing to do with the production of this film.
• This film is set four years after the events of Collision Course.
• The events of The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild aren't acknowledged however.
• This is the first film where Manny, Sid and Diego mention Roshan's name.
• Julian's character has developed in this film. He has grown more clever, serious, and courageous, as well as overprotective of Peaches, wanting everything to be perfect for her now that they are both expecting a child. He also begins acting like Manny in the beginning of Dawn of the Dinosaurs, when Ellie was pregnant.
• This is the first film in the Ice Age series where Scrat teams up with The Herd. This marks a significant moment, as it is the first instance of Scrat interacting with Ellie, Crash, Eddie, Peaches, Julian, Louis, Buck, Shira, and Brooke.
  • Out of all of them, Scrat develops a notably strong connection with Peaches and Julian.

• In this film, Julian and Louis are portrayed as genuine friends who demonstrate care and concern for Peaches, which strengthens their bond.
• The Dino Birds, Shangri Llama, and Teddy are completely absent in this film.
• This is the first Ice Age film where Manny and Peaches don't have an argument.
• This is the first film where Scrat has a happy ending.

Gallery

Promotional Art

Announcement Poster