Two upcoming Pixar premieres
Since its inception in the 1980s, Pixar Animation Studios has produced some of the most famous animated films, from the first feature-length Toy Story to the most recently released Lighter. A huge success, the studio has achieved commercial and critical success, with many of its films ranking among the highest-grossing animated films of all time. In addition, Pixar films have often won numerous awards, including Oscars and Grammys.
And now, two upcoming premieres from the Pixar studio have received the first art and plot details.
Elemental – Elemental (name can be adapted)
Just a few months ago, Pixar released the main plans for its next cartoon, Elemental. The announcement was accompanied by concept art for the film showing sketches of fire and water characters. It has also been confirmed that the film will premiere in June 2023. Peter Son, known as the director of Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur, will direct the new project.
Now, at the annual D23 Expo, Disney has revealed details about Pixar’s Elemental, including the first image, poster and story details. In the image and poster, you can see the characters Amber and Wade, played by Leah Lewis and Mamoudou Ati, respectively. Ember and Wade live in a town where all the inhabitants are made of fire, water, earth or air. “Elemental” will explore the bond between Amber and Wade as they discover, much to their shock, that they have a lot in common.
Elemental is said to have been inspired by Peter Sohn’s childhood in New York and aims to explore themes of diversity through different elements coexisting in the same city. Based on that premise, it sounds like the film will feature some pretty, colorful visuals as the animators work to bring this vibrant city of Peter Sohn’s memories to life. However, Pixar is keeping all the details under wraps for now, showing only the main characters of the new cartoon. Amber and Wade’s characterizations are already clear based on this first image, and their unlikely friendship should make for an exciting journey.
This news about “Elemental” adds to the list of announcements Pixar made at the Disney D23 Expo this year, highlighting the company’s upcoming projects. Given the lackluster reception of “Lighter,” Pixar is likely looking to drum up excitement for its new films.
So far, Elemental seems like a step back to the studio’s typical style, unlike the simpler sequel that was Lighter.
Elio – Elio (name can be adapted)
Pixar has revealed its new film project Elio with plot details and a first look at the main character.
Pixar recently confirmed Inside Out 2. The animation studio has produced a number of original works over the past few years, including Onward, Soul, I Am Panda, and more, and their focus on original stories continues with another new project.
As announced at the D23 Expo and on Pixar’s Twitter account, Elio is about a boy who doesn’t fit in on a chance trip across the galaxy and becomes an ambassador for Earth while among aliens. Jonas Kibreab, who had a small role in the Obi-Wan Kenobi series, will voice Elio alongside America Ferrera, who will voice his mother Olga.
Mary Alice Drumm, known for producing other Pixar films like Coco and Brave, will produce Elio with Coco director Adrian Molina.
While this is the first time audiences have heard of the film, it is expected to be released in spring 2024, following the release of Pixar’s Elemental in June 2023. Excited viewers will probably have to wait a little longer for the trailer, but the first look already shows Elio’s nice art style and interesting character designs.