X

Here's Your First Look at the Next Pixar Movie, 'Elemental'

Disney and Pixar have revealed a release date and concept art for next year's animated adventure.

Richard Trenholm Former Movie and TV Senior Editor
Richard Trenholm was CNET's film and TV editor, covering the big screen, small screen and streaming. A member of the Film Critic's Circle, he's covered technology and culture from London's tech scene to Europe's refugee camps to the Sundance film festival.
Expertise Films | TV | Movies | Television | Technology
Richard Trenholm
Animated smiling water person and frowning fire person walk through a cartoon city in Pixar film Elemental.
Enlarge Image
Animated smiling water person and frowning fire person walk through a cartoon city in Pixar film Elemental.

Watery Wade and hot-headed Ember are Pixar's latest double act in Elemental.

Pixar

The next Pixar movie will have all the elements, and I'm not just talking about a heartwarming story and gorgeous animation. The film is named Elemental, and new concept art introduces beings made of different elements (earth, wind, fire and water).

Elemental will be Pixar's 27th film, and a release date of June 16, 2023 was also confirmed Monday.

The film follows the friendship between fiery Ember and go-with-the-flow Wade, in a city where fire, water, land and air residents live alongside each other. It's directed by Peter Sohn, previously director of Pixar's The Good Dinosaur, and the story is inspired by his childhood as part of a Korean family that ran a bustling grocery store in a vibrant and diverse neighborhood of the Bronx. 

Pixar's parent company, Disney, revealed the release date with some concept art, but one piece of information is missing from the announcement: where you'll see Elemental. Recent Pixar films Luca and Turning Red didn't get theatrical releases, premiering on streaming service Disney Plus, but Toy Story spinoff Lightyear is coming to theaters next month. With movie release dates still being delayed due to the pandemic, it may be that Disney will simply wait and see what the situation is like next year before confirming either a theatrical or streaming debut. 

New Movies Coming in 2023 From Marvel, Netflix, DC and More

See all photos

2023's Best TV and Streaming Shows You Can't Miss on Netflix, HBO, Disney Plus and More

See all photos