Pixar’s upcoming movie, Elemental, is set to continue the studio’s tradition of pushing boundaries in the animation space. As the 27th Pixar movie, Elemental follows the release of two other highly anticipated films from the Disney subsidiary, Turning Red and Lightyear, both set to be released in 2022. The movie is scheduled to hit theaters on June 16, and Pixar has released an official trailer that provides some insight into the plot and showcases the film’s stunning visuals.
The trailer for Elemental features impressive visuals that highlight the fluidity of Wade’s water-based makeup and the fiery aesthetic of Ember’s design. The contrasting visuals are seamlessly integrated into the film’s VFX engine, making it a strong contender for a Best Animated Feature nomination at the 2024 Oscars. The movie’s plot centers on a platonic or romantic relationship between Ember and Wade, who represent fire and water respectively. The official synopsis reads, “In a city where fire, water, land and air residents live together, a fiery young woman and a go-with-the-flow guy are about to discover something elemental: how much they actually have in common.” The trailer reveals how Ember and Wade’s worlds collide and explores the idea of how opposing races and forces can coexist, making it a timely message for our times.
Leah Lewis (Batwheels, The Half of It) stars as Ember, while Mamoudou Athie (Jurassic World: Dominion) plays Wade. Newcomer Mason Wertheimer has been cast as Clod, a young, street-smart Earth-based character, while Wendie McLendon-Covey (Reno 911!) portrays Gale, an air-based individual. Catherine O’Hara (Schitt’s Creek) voices Wade’s mom Brook. The movie has been directed by veteran Pixar employee Peter Sohn, who also directed 2016’s The Good Dinosaur. John Hoberg and Kat Likkel (My Name Is Earl, Black-ish) are joined by Brena Hsueh (How I Met Your Mother) as the film’s main writers.
Elemental is not the only new release from Pixar that is set to impress audiences with its visually stunning animation style. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, the follow-up to 2019’s Into the Spider-Verse, is also set to disrupt the animation medium with its revolutionary art style and eye-popping colors. The movie is scheduled to be released just two weeks before Elemental on June 2, making June 2023 an animated showdown for the ages. Other highly anticipated animated movies set to be released in 2023 include The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, and Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget.
With the animation genre proving to be a popular medium for audiences and creators alike, 2023 is set to follow in its predecessor’s footsteps. Pixar’s Elemental is leading the pack with its groundbreaking animation style, hues, cityscape backgrounds, and technological innovations. As the movie industry takes note of the growing popularity of animated movies, it is hoped that the Academy and other film award organizations will take them more seriously. For more Pixar-based content, read up on why Pixar’s chief creative officer thinks Lightyear flopped at the box office or check out our best family movies and best Disney Plus movies lists.