Pixar ElementalPixar’s Chief Creative Officer, Pete Docter, sheds light on the struggles faced by “Elemental” at the box office, attributing them to Disney’s streaming strategy. In a recent conversation with The New York Times, Docter acknowledges the impact of driving Disney+ subscribers on some recent Pixar movies. Titles like “Luca,” “Turning Red,” and “Soul” found their home on the streaming service, bypassing traditional theatrical releases, thereby missing out on significant revenue opportunities. For films like “Elemental” and “Encanto,” the potential earnings through extended theatrical runs remain a mystery.
Docter remarks, “There has been an overall shift in viewing habits as a result of the pandemic, but it’s also specific to Disney+. We’ve told people, ‘Hey, all of this is going to be available to you on Disney+!'” As the SAG-AFTRA strike nears its conclusion, the entertainment landscape will likely change, with Disney+ releasing films with less proximity to their theatrical counterparts. This shift could also impact the budgets of future Pixar projects.
Also Read: 007 Road to A Million A High-Stakes Adventure with Brian Cox
However, “Elemental” is far from being a box office disaster, despite initial reactions. It emerged as the most-watched movie premiere on Disney+ in 2023, ranking among the platform’s Top 10 premieres of all time. “Elemental” garnered 26.4 million views within its first five days on the platform, surpassing expectations. Directed by Peter Sohn, the film explores the story of two dissimilar individuals finding common ground, a concept that resonated well with audiences.
Moreover, “Elemental” marks a significant triumph for Pixar, becoming the most-viewed Disney+ movie premiere ever in Latin America, surpassing even “Turning Red.” In a prior interview with director Peter Sohn, he shared insights into the film’s visual influences and its heartwarming love story, drawing inspiration from cinematic greats such as Gordon Willis and Jean-Pierre Jeunet, as well as romantic comedies. Sohn also mentioned the influence of Norman Jewison, known for films like “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Moonstruck,” highlighting the diverse sources of inspiration behind this animated gem.
Our Reader’s Queries
Is Elemental a lgbtq movie?
Pixar’s Elemental made history by introducing the animation studio’s first non-binary character, marking a significant moment for LGBTQIA+ representation. The film, released on June 16, 2023, has sparked conversation and celebration within the community.
Why is Elemental getting bad reviews?
The Elemental movie didn’t quite live up to people’s expectations. Pixar’s decision to make their marketing more broad ended up making the film seem lacking in creativity. There’s a famous saying in marketing that goes, “If you try to appeal to everyone, you end up appealing to no one.”
Who is the non-binary character in Elemental?
Pixar introduces Lake Ripple as their first non-binary character, a member of the water element, and the younger sibling of Wade Ripple, the film’s secondary protagonist. Lake makes a brief appearance in the movie when Wade brings Ember home to meet the family.
Is Elemental a flop or hit?
The movie initially didn’t meet expectations at the box office, but it turned out to be a surprise hit, earning an impressive $496.4 million globally. It received nods for various accolades, such as the Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature Film.