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Pixar’s Elemental has had a strange journey throughout the past few months. While the title originally seemed dead on arrival, it remained consistent throughout its run, shocking critics and proving many people wrong. As September rolls in, Disney seems to finally be satisfied with the movie’s theatrical run, announcing an Elemental streaming release date confirmed for this month.
Credit: Disney
Elemental‘s Surprising Theater Run
Elemental hit theaters over the summer on June 16, 2023. This Pixar original, led by the talented duo of Leah Lewis and Mamoudou Athie, experienced a rather shaky start, with critics quick to write it off following an underwhelming opening weekend marked by sparse audiences and minimal profits. However, as the unrelenting heat of summer persisted, so did the resilience of Elemental.
Remarkably, what began as a cinematic underdog has now transformed into Disney’s most triumphant original film in recent memory. The movie’s global earnings have soared to an impressive $445 million. Given its $200 million budget and low expectations, this is a remarkable feat. This rise from a lackluster opening has ensured a modest profit for Disney and solidified Elemental as a cinematic phoenix, rising from its initial ashes to become a shocking success story. Ember and Wade really defied the odds!
Credit: Disney
Elemental Streaming Release Date
While Elemental has been available via video-on-demand (VOD) for a few weeks, it went quite a while without a streaming release announcement. Recent Pixar films have either opened directly on Disney+ or only lasted a month before appearing on the platform. However, Disney has finally announced an Elemental streaming release date for Wednesday, September 13, 2023.
After its turnaround performance in theaters, Elemental will now have the opportunity to create further success on Disney+. The platform’s previous animated success story involved Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto (2021). This film is a household name now, but it actually didn’t do very well in theaters, releasing to Disney+ after only a short time. However, Encanto thrived on streaming, gaining recognition worldwide. The film went on to win the Academy Award for “Best Animated Film” and “Best Original Song.
The Madrigal family: Luisa (voiced by Jessica Darrow), Isabela (voiced by Diane Guerrero), the matriarch Abuela Alma (voiced by María Cecilia Botero), Felix (voiceded by Mauro Castillo), Julieta (voiced by Angie Cepeda), Pepa (voiced by Carolina Gaitán), Agustín (voiced by Wilmer Valderrama), Camilo (voiced by Rhenzy Feliz), Antonio (voiced by Ravi Cabot-Conyers), and Dolores (voiced by Adassa) and Mirabel Madrigal (voiced by Stephanie Beatriz). John Leguizamo voices Bruno (not pictured). ‘Encanto’ is directed by Charise Castro Smith. Credit: movies.disney.com
The Future of Elemental
Elemental will have the same opportunity to prosper on the streaming service. A whole new audience has been waiting to see the film, and it could prove it holds water yet again. Disney has already seemed to deem it a success. Rumors have circulated this month that Pixar is working on a series for Disney+ and may also be considering a sequel to Ember and Wade’s love story. Director Peter Sohn is sure to want to keep this endearing immigrant story going.
Have you seen Elemental yet, or have you been waiting for its streaming release date? Time will tell whether the film really goes down as a Pixar Animation Studio juggernaut like Toy Story. However, it has already proven that it could stay afloat during its theatrical run.
