Disney and Pixar’s Elemental has become the most watched movie premiere on Disney+ of 2023, surpassing other blockbuster titles like The Little Mermaid and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. The animated film, which tells the story of a fiery girl and a watery boy who form an unlikely friendship in a city of elemental beings, has earned 26.4 million views in its first five days of streaming, according to Disney+.
Elemental’s Journey from Box Office Flop to Streaming Success
Elemental did not have a smooth start when it debuted in theaters in June 2023. The film had the worst opening weekend for a Pixar movie in nearly 30 years, grossing only $30 million domestically. However, the film managed to bounce back and become one of the biggest theatrical surprises of the year, earning $484 million worldwide. The film also received positive reviews from critics and audiences, with a 93% Rotten Tomatoes Verified Audience Score and an “A” CinemaScore.

The film’s streaming performance shows that Disney made a wise decision to release Elemental both theatrically and on Disney+, unlike some of its previous Pixar titles like Luca and Turning Red, which were released exclusively on the streaming platform. Elemental was able to generate comparable streaming numbers after also making nearly half a billion dollars at the box office, proving that Pixar movies can still attract audiences in both formats.
Elemental’s Creative Vision and Voice Cast
Elemental is directed by Peter Sohn, who previously helmed The Good Dinosaur, and produced by Denise Ream, who also worked on Cars 2 and Coco. The executive producer is Pete Docter, the chief creative officer of Pixar and the director of Up, Inside Out, and Soul. The screenplay is written by John Hoberg & Kat Likkel and Brenda Hsueh, based on a story by Sohn, Hoberg & Likkel, and Hsueh.
The film features a diverse voice cast that includes Leah Lewis as Ember, the quick-witted and fiery protagonist; Mamoudou Athie as Wade, the sappy and go-with-the-flow love interest; Ronnie del Carmen as Mayor Flint, the leader of the Fire-residents; Shila Ommi as Dr. Aqua, the head of the Water-residents; Wendi McLendon-Covey as Mrs. Clay, the mother of Ember; Catherine O’Hara as Madame Breeze, the eccentric owner of a fashion boutique; Mason Wertheimer as Sparky, Ember’s younger brother; and Joe Pera as Mr. Rock, Wade’s father.
Elemental’s Cultural Impact and Future Plans
Elemental has been praised for its originality, humor, romance, animation, and message of acceptance and diversity. The film has also been recognized for its representation of Asian-American culture and identity, as both Ember and Wade are of Asian descent. The film features elements of Korean, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, and Indian cultures, such as food, music, clothing, architecture, and language.
Elemental has also spawned a loyal fan base that has created fan art, cosplay, memes, merchandise, and fan fiction based on the film and its characters. Disney+ has announced that it will release a short film titled Elemental: Sparky’s Adventure in December 2023, which will follow Ember’s brother as he explores Element City with his pet firefly. Disney+ has also hinted that there might be a sequel or a series based on Elemental in the future.