Disney and Pixar's "Elemental" made its streaming debut in a blaze of glory, captivating audiences with its unique blend of elemental magic and heartwarming storytelling. Directed by Peter Sohn, produced by Denise Ream, and executive produced by Pete Docter, this original feature film has taken the streaming world by storm. In its first five days of availability on Disney+, "Elemental" became the most-watched movie premiere of the year on the platform and secured a spot among the Top 10 movie premieres of all time, amassing a staggering 26.4 million views.
Set in the enchanting world of Element City, "Elemental" is a cinematic masterpiece that brings together residents of Fire, Water, Earth, and Air, each with their distinct powers and personalities. At the heart of this tale is the quick-witted and fiery Ember, voiced by the talented Leah Lewis, and her unexpected friendship with the laid-back and go-with-the-flow Wade, brought to life by the charismatic Mamoudou Athie. As their bond deepens, Ember's preconceived notions about her world are challenged, and she embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery.
The film's immediate success on Disney+ is a testament to the enduring appeal of Disney and Pixar's storytelling magic. This streaming performance catapulted it to the top of the charts, making it the most-viewed animated movie premiere since the release of Disney and Pixar's "Turning Red" in March 2022. Furthermore, it secured the title of the most-viewed Disney+ movie premiere of all time in Latin America.
While the film's digital premiere undoubtedly set records, its success story doesn't stop there. The film also made a significant impact in theaters worldwide, grossing an impressive $484 million at the global box office. This remarkable achievement was bolstered by an impressive 93% Rotten Tomatoes Verified Audience Score and an "A" CinemaScore, reflecting the movie's universal appeal and emotional resonance.
Notably, "Elemental" exceeded expectations domestically, generating $154 million-more than five times its opening weekend earnings of $30 million. This accomplishment is a rare feat in the realm of theatrical releases, with the film trailing behind only Disney and Pixar's iconic Toy Story (1995) in terms of its multiple earnings compared to its opening weekend.
Internationally, the film continued to cast its spell, raking in a substantial $330 million. One particular highlight was its exceptional performance in South Korea, where it became Pixar's most-watched film in the country, solidifying the film's global appeal.
The screenplay was crafted by the talented team of John Hoberg & Kat Likkel and Brenda Hsueh, with a compelling story developed by Peter Sohn, John Hoberg, Kat Likkel, and Brenda Hsueh. The voice cast, including Ronnie del Carmen, Shila Ommi, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Catherine O'Hara, Mason Wertheimer, and Joe Pera, brought the characters to life with their exceptional performances, adding depth and authenticity to the film's enchanting narrative.
