Kristoff is a fictional character in Walt Disney Animation Studios' Frozen franchise. He appears in the animated features Frozen (2013) and Frozen II (2019), and the animated short films Frozen Fever (2015), Olaf's Frozen Adventure (2017) and Once Upon a Snowman (2020). He was created by co-directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee and is voiced primarily by Jonathan Groff. Kristoff is a rugged iceman who lives in the mountains with his reindeer companion Sven. His design takes inspiration from traditional Sámi culture. Quiet and reclusive, Kristoff prefers a solitary life, but after meeting Princess Anna of Arendelle, he helps her on her journey to find her older sister Elsa on the North Mountain after she freezes summer with her powers. Kristoff is one of two leading men in Frozen who take the role of Anna's love interest. His soft-hearted character was designed to contrast with the calculating personality of Hans. Kristoff and Anna's relationship develops out of friendship and was intended to depict the reality of love, as opposed to the hasty, romantic nature of Anna's engagement to Hans. Kristoff has received a positive reception for his sensitive and supportive character and his healthy approach to relationships. Critics have praised him for subverting the role of the traditional Disney prince and for representing a shift in Disney's portrayal of masculinity and gender roles, making him a positive role model for children.