Disney Pixar’s new movie “Elemental,” which features the animation studio’s first-ever non-binary character, has set a record as the lowest debut ever for a Pixar movie on its opening weekend, according to reports.
Notably, “Toy Story” did go on to become a global blockbuster along with multiple hit sequels.
“Elemental” was directed by Peter Sohn and set in the fictional world of Element City, where “the peoples of fire, water, earth, and air live together,” according to Disney.
“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,” Disney explains.
Non-Binary Character
Another voice actor, Ava Hauser, plays the role of Lake, who is Wade’s younger sibling and goes by they/them pronouns. Hauser is also “nonbinary” according to Twitter.The latest disappointing initial box office sales come as Disney remains in an ongoing legal battle with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis over Walt Disney World Resort’s long-standing self-governing power status in the state.
Disney vs DeSantis
Chapek stated that Disney was “opposed to the bill from the outset,” but “chose not to take a public position” and instead work more effectively behind the scenes.“The event nature of Pixar films, even original IP, isn’t what it used to be. However, new leadership is seemingly trying to right some of the wrongs from the last few years,” Robbins said. “Elemental‘s mostly positive reception and minimal competition could help the film find legs through summer, and Pixar itself can still have a very bright future ahead as long as its shepherds remain committed to the creative fundamentals that guided the studio for so long.”