A new Pixar short film will accompany Elemental in theaters this June, premiering just before the movie begins. Many theatrical movies in Pixar’s past have featured short films that play prior to the movie starting. However, the studio hasn’t had a short in front of their films since Incredibles 2 in 2018, which featured the premiere of Bao.

According to a report from The Wrap, Elemental will feature the short film Carl’s Date, which will play ahead of the film during its theatrical run. Carl’s Date will bring viewers back to the world of Up, showing the film’s protagonist, Carl, after the events of the film, preparing for his first date since his wife Ellie died. The short will feature Ed Asner returning as Carl, having recorded his lines prior to his death in 2021.
SCREENRANT VIDEO OF THE DAYSCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT

The History Of Carl’s Date Explained

Carl’s Date was originally planned to release in February on Disney+ as a special episode of Dug Days, a series of shorts following the misadventures of talking canine Dug after the events of Up. However, the short was delayed for unknown reasons, despite its scheduled release month appropriately coinciding with Valentine’s Day. Now that it’s clear Carl’s Date will premiere alongside Elemental, it seems the mystery of its Disney+ delay has been solved.

Related: Disney’s New Up Short Makes Its Saddest Moment Even More Important

The short semi-sequel to Up will be able to explore what Carl has been up to since his adventure, showing what prompted his decision to start dating again. Dug’s involvement in the film is also guaranteed since the special short was initially conceived for a release as a Dug Days episode. While it’s unclear what kind of trouble Dug will get into as Carl prepares for his date, it’s likely to have plenty of heart that invokes the emotions of those who adored Up and its story.

The animation style of Carl’s Date will also have a chance to compare itself to Pixar’s new look for Elemental. Choosing to put Carl’s Date before the film not only makes the Dug Days episode a special return to Up, but it also underscores how much-varied talent and animation goes into Pixar films. Carl’s Date will be a nice treat for Elemental moviegoers who want a chance to return to Up and see how Carl’s story continues.

Source: The Wrap