Based on teasers and trailers released at the Annecy Film Festival, Disney fans seem to have more to look forward to from Disney’s shorts than its feature films.
At the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Walt Disney Animation Studios shared news of a 100th anniversary Disney short film called Once Upon a Studio premiering in theaters ahead of Disney’s new full-length film, Wish, on November 22, 2023. Starring an all-star cast of Disney animated classic film stars, including Robin Williams’s portrayal of Genie, the short film has been getting significant coverage.
In addition to Once Upon a Studio, another short film took to new heights, igniting anticipation from die-hard Disney fans. Starring Carl Fredrickson and his lovable yet blissfully unaware pup, Dug, Carl’s Date gives Up (2009) fans a glimpse of the unthinkable: life after Ellie.
A Tough Act to Follow ‘Up’
Perhaps the most incredible and tragic love story told by Disney and Pixar, Up tugged at audiences’ balloon strings and turned on the waterworks for years to come. One of Pixar’s most successful films, Up’s love story, raked in $293 million domestically and $735 million globally during its time in theaters. The nostalgic music and thoughtful storytelling captured Carl Fredrickson (Ed Asner) as he carried out a promise to his late wife, Ellie (Elizabeth Docter).
Hating leaving his home but willing to go anywhere to honor Ellie, Carl embarks on a whimsical yet risky journey with newfound friends Russell (Jordan Nagai), Dug (Bob Peterson), and a giant tropical bird named Kevin. Up captivated audiences with its message that love continues after we’re gone, and the new short Carl’s Date will feature the beloved Ed Asner’s voice nearly two years after his passing.
In the all-new trailer for Carl’s Date, Carl fumbles with the cornerstones of first dates: flowers, chocolate boxes, and a not-so-helpful friend: Dug. Check out the full trailer shared by @DiscussingFilm on Twitter:
The first teaser for Pixar’s ‘Up’ short film ‘CARL’S DATE’ has been released.
The film debuts this week in theaters with #Elemental pic.twitter.com/QnR6LbuLSC
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) June 12, 2023
Will ‘Up’ Eclipse ‘Elemental’?
As the sixth installment of Disney+’s series continuing the story of Carl and Dug called Dug Days from 2021, Carl’s Date will depict Carl’s attempt at moving on with his love life after Ellie. While it’s hard to imagine a world where anyone can measure up to his late wife, Carl gives it his best shot in the short film, even practicing a “date” with his furry friend Dug. In a post on Twitter, @DiscussingFilm shared stills of the pair prepping for Carl’s new love life:
First look at ‘CARL’S DATE’, the final story in the ‘UP’ universe.
The short film follows Carl as he prepares for his first date since Ellie’s death. pic.twitter.com/h4vYYHTFy6
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) June 12, 2023
With a robust fan base behind the Pixar film Up, Carl’s Date nearly overshadows the full-length film it’s set to air before. Disney is gearing up to release Elemental, an imaginative take on cultural divides and acceptance as personified elements converge in a big city.
Twitter has been a source of skepticism for the Elemental film thus far. Still, with a short featuring the ever-popular voice of Ed Asner behind Carl and one of Disney’s favorite dogs, Dug, Carl’s Date might help ignite the crowds for the double feature debuting in theaters on June 16.
