Any guesses on what film will close the 2023 Cannes Film Festival? How about the upcoming Disney/Pixar movie “Elemental“? If that sounds outlandish, remember that the festival has picked three other Pixar movies over the years: “Up,” “Inside Out,” and “Soul,” respectively.
READ MORE: ‘Elemental’ Trailer: Fire & Water Don’t Mix Well In Pixar’s New Animated Film
Even then, given the overall critical reception to the past three Pixar releases, including last year’s misfire “Lightyear,” it feels strange for the animation studio to return to Cannes, much less provide the fest’s final film. But Pete Docter, Pixar’s CCO, sounds confident about “Elemental,” and looks forward to its world premiere on May 27. “As we all emerge from our pandemic cocoons and come together in story rooms, animation dailies and impromptu brainstorming sessions, it’s a joy and honor to have Pixar back on La Croisette,” Docter said in a press statement. “Directed by the extraordinary storyteller Peter Sohn, “Elemental” is so funny, full of heart and, frankly, stunning to see. It was created for audiences to experience on the big screen and I love that it’ll make its world premiere at Cannes.”
Docter, Sohn, and producer Denise Ream will join members of the film’s voice cast for the premiere in France next month. “For many years, the Cannes Film Festival has welcomed animated films from around the world,” said Thierry Frémaux, general delegate, Cannes Film Festival. “Pixar Animation Studios, with “Up”—directed by Pete Docter—made Cannes history by opening the 62nd edition of the Festival in 2009. It was a wonderful event! This is another great opportunity to present the amazing “Elemental” on the closing of this 76th Cannes Film Festival and to think about our lives in such a powerful way.”
Here’s and official synopsis for “Elemental,” courtesy of Disney and Pixar:
Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” is an all-new, original feature film set in Element City, where fire-, water-, land- and air-residents live together. The story introduces Ember, a tough, quick-witted and fiery young woman, whose friendship with a fun, sappy, go-with-the-flow guy named Wade challenges her beliefs about the world they live in.
Leah Lewis and Mamoudou Athie lead the vocal cast of “Elemental.” Other cast members include Ronnie Del Carmen, Shila Ommi, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Catherine O’Hara, Mason Wertheimer, and Joe Pera.
After its world premiere at Cannes, “Elemental” hits US theaters on June 16, 2023, accompanied by a new Pixar short, “Carl’s Date.” Watch a trailer for the film below.
