Welcome to the enchanting world of Pixar’s beloved animated film, ‘Up.‘ This heartwarming adventure has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, and there’s so much more to discover than what meets the eye.
From unexpected inspirations to incredible production details, we’re about to dive into some fascinating behind-the-scenes facts that will give you a deeper appreciation for this captivating story. So, grab a seat, and let’s embark on an extraordinary journey through 10 little-known facts about ‘Up’ that will surprise and delight you.
Real-Life Inspiration For Charles Muntz
Did you know that the villain, Charles Muntz, has a real-life connection to Walt Disney’s history? Charles Mintz was a Universal Pictures executive who, back in 1928, stole the production rights to Disney’s ‘Oswald the Lucky Rabbit’ cartoon series. This event pushed Walt Disney to create the iconic Mickey Mouse, who went on to eclipse Oswald in popularity. Talk about inspiration for a dastardly character!
Elie Docter: The Voice Of Young Ellie
Here’s a fun fact: Pete Docter’s daughter, Elie Docter, provided the voice of young Ellie in the movie. At age 7, Elie was tapped to do the scratch recording for the character. While many other voices were considered, filmmakers ultimately cast Elie in the role. And that’s not all—she even drew the pictures inside ‘My Adventure Book’!
The Science Behind Carl’s Floating House
Ever wondered about the logistics behind Carl’s floating house? In the movie, 10,297 balloons are attached to his house when it takes off. However, in reality, it would require more than 26.5 million balloons to make it fly! The Pixar team calculated the numbers and even consulted with scientists to make it as realistic as possible, despite the stylization.
From Live Ostriches To A Colorful Character
Kevin, the quirky and colorful bird, was inspired by a mix of ostriches, emus, and cassowaries. To bring Kevin to life, Pixar brought live ostriches to the studio for reference, and the art department even took a field trip to a farm where zebras were kept as well. How’s that for dedication to character design?
A Familiar Picnic Spot
Remember the sweet scene where Carl and Ellie go picnicking? Their destination is actually a spot under the same tree from another Pixar classic, ‘A Bug’s Life‘ (1998). It’s always fun to see those little connections between Pixar films.
Creating Four Seconds Of Magic A Week
The animation process for ‘Up’ was quite an undertaking. During the peak of production, nearly 70 animators worked on the film, and it took an average of 4 seconds of animation per week to complete. Rendering a single frame could take between five and six hours, and some complicated frames took up to 20 hours!
A113: A Pixar Tradition
If you’re a true Pixar fan, you might have noticed the number ‘A113‘ in the courtroom scene. A113 is a reference to the classroom at the California Institute of the Arts, where many Pixar legends like John Lasseter, Brad Bird, Pete Docter, and Andrew Stanton studied. It’s a fun Easter egg that has appeared in every Pixar film to date.
Squares, Circles, And Triangles
Character designs in ‘Up’ were carefully thought out, with each design representing the character’s personality. For instance, Carl’s square design is meant to be static and immovable, while Russell’s circular design is dynamic. Even the villains were designed with triangles to set them apart from the other characters.
From South America To The Silver Screen
To create the mountainous setting in ‘Up,’ the creative team embarked on their own adventure, trekking and climbing Mount Roraima in Guyana, South America. This real-life experience shaped the look and feel of the film, from the breathtaking landscapes to the unique plants and rock formations found throughout the Tepuis, or tabletop mountains.
Jordan Nagai: The Unexpected Voice Of Russell
Last but not least, let’s talk about the voice of Russell, played by Jordan Nagai. Interestingly, Jordan wasn’t initially planning on auditioning for the role. He accompanied his older brother, Hunter, to the audition and was asked to try out on the spot. Jordan’s nonstop talking and shared personality quirks with Russell made him stand out among more than 450 kids who auditioned for the part.
The Sky’s The Limit
We are sure that these 10 surprising facts about Pixar’s ‘Up’ will leave you with a deeper understanding and appreciation for this delightful film. From real-life inspirations to the incredible dedication of the animators, it’s no wonder that ‘Up’ continues to hold a special place in the hearts of audiences worldwide. Next time you watch Carl, Russell, and Dug on their unforgettable journey, you’ll have these fun tidbits to share with family and friends!
