Elemental is most likely Pixar's most important release in years. There are a few reasons why Elemental is such a big and significant release for Pixar, with the movie possibly determining the future of the production studios based on its success among audiences and its performance during the theatrical run of the movie. Elemental may also be one of Pixar's most anticipated new releases of the next year ever since its announcement in May 2022 and the further updates on the project that followed. Distributed by Walt Disney Studios, the computer-animated film is set to receive a theatrical release in June 2023.
Elemental follows the two opposing elements Ember Lumen, a fire element, and Wade Ripple, a water element, as their bond develops, despite not being able to touch each other, and they discover that they have more in common than they may have initially thought. Replicating Pixar's "what if X had feelings" formula, Elemental gives life to classical elements, creating anthropomorphic versions of fire and water, exploring their feelings and emotions in the unlikely couple the protagonists form, as Pixar has so often done in the past with other movies that depicted cars, toys, and even emotions themselves having feelings.
Elemental Is Pixar's First Theatrical Original Since 2020
Ever since 2020, Pixar's releases have been relegated to Disney+, with Luca and Turning Red, two of Pixar's biggest releases in the last two years, both being released on Disney's streaming platform rather than theatrically. Nonetheless, Pixar's films are increasingly being transferred to Disney+. Although Covid most likely played a big part in this, the fact that there has not been a Pixar film in the cinema in the last two years is indicative of this trend. With that in mind, Elemental represents Pixar's chance to invert this. Releasing in 2023, Elemental is the first Pixar film to hit theaters since 2020.
Although Elemental represents a risk for Pixar for other reasons, the question of its theatrical release represents a further risk for Pixar. Similarly, being the first Pixar film to be released at the cinema since 2020 is the reason why Elemental will be such an important release for the studio. In fact, Elemental needs to perform well during its theatrical release in order to turn around the recent trend of Pixar being relegated to Disney+ releases. In fact, whether future Pixar films after Elemental will be released in cinemas or on the streaming platform may be in part dependent on Elemental's box office numbers.
Elemental Needs To Remind Disney Of Pixar's Potential
Given the previous fate of Pixar releases, it is particularly important for Elemental to prove that Pixar films should not be relegated only to Disney+ but also have theatrical releases as well to reach a wider audience, as was previously evident with films like Inside Out, which resembles Elemental in some ways. The latter is especially significant given Pixar's legacy of reaching across multiple generations. While Pixar's movies are associated with childhood, the emotionality of the studio's films along with the cutting-edge technology used is oftentimes able to create a lasting impact on both children and adults.
Elemental is Pixar's chance to remind Disney — and the whole world — of its potential as the powerhouse studio behind many beloved animation movies, such as the Cars and Toy Story franchises — to name a few. Elemental can also serve as a reminder of what Pixar really represents. While seemingly playful, Pixar always centers a philanthropic message in its animation, telling its audience that humanity can exist in many different forms in this world, which is present in the story of Elemental as well, as inspired by the director's experience of growing up in New York City as a son of immigrants.