Up – Overview | Story, Characters, Themes & Facts

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Up

Up is a 2009 Pixar animated film about an elderly widower who fulfills his dream of adventure by tying thousands of balloons to his house and flying to South America, accompanied by an enthusiastic young Boy Scout.

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IP Overview & Key Facts

IP Key Facts

Essential information and quick stats.

Full Name

Also Known As

Format

Animated Film

Release Year

2009

Current Status

Completed

Country of Origin

United States

Original Work

animation

Genre

Pixar, adventure, family, emotional, friendship, dreams, loss, aging

Story, World & Core Themes

Explore the narrative, setting, and ideas that shape Up.

Story

High-level synopsis and narrative focus.

World

Setting, cultures, and distinctive elements.

The story spans from a quiet American suburb to the breathtaking tepuis of South America. Paradise Falls is a lost world frozen in time, filled with exotic prehistoric creatures and treacherous terrain, serving as both a destination and a place of unexpected danger.

Themes

Core ideas and recurring motifs.

Adventure, Love, and Letting Go. The film explores coping with grief, the realization that 'adventure is out there' in everyday life, and the importance of cross-generational friendship.

Cultural Impact Timeline

High-level milestones showing Up's global influence.

Creation Background

Pete Docter's exploration of aging, adventure, and unfulfilled dreams

Cultural Impact

Redefined animated storytelling, influenced discussions about aging and adventure

Legacy

Considered one of Pixar's greatest films and a masterpiece of animation

Major Milestones

2004: Initial concept development,2006: Story development and character design,2007-2009: Animation production,2009: Theatrical release and critical acclaim,2010: Academy Award wins,2021: Dug Days series on Disney+,Ongoing: Cultural impact and legacy

Awards

Academy Award for Best Animated Feature,Academy Award for Best Original Score,Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature

Key Characters

Meet representative characters from Up.

Carl Fredricksen

“Adventure is out there!”

A 78-year-old widower who fulfills his late wife's dream by flying his house to Paradise FallsView Profile

Russell

“The wilderness must be explored! CA-CAW!”

An enthusiastic 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer scout who accidentally joins Carl's adventureView Profile

Explore all Up characters

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Paradise Falls a real place?▼

It is fictional but heavily inspired by Angel Falls (Salto Ángel) in Venezuela, the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall, and the tepui mountains of the Roraima region.

How many balloons would it actually take to lift a house?▼

Pixar animators used about 10,000-20,000 balloons for most scenes, but physics calculations suggest it would take over 25 million standard helium balloons to lift a real house.

What breed of dog is Dug?▼

Dug is a Golden Retriever. His friendly, loyal, and easily distracted personality perfectly mimics the traits of the breed.

What is the meaning of the 'Ellie Badge'?▼

The grape soda bottle cap badge represents Carl and Ellie's exclusive club from childhood. When Carl gives it to Russell, it symbolizes passing on the torch of adventure and accepting Russell as family.

Who voices the character Carl Fredricksen?▼

Carl is voiced by Edward Asner. His grumpy yet tender performance was critical to making the character lovable despite his initial abrasiveness.

What kind of bird is Kevin?▼

Kevin is a fictional species of flightless bird, resembling a mix between an ostrich and a prehistoric snipe, with colorful plumage inspired by the male Himalayan Monal pheasant.

Why did Charles Muntz become a villain?▼

Muntz was driven mad by his obsession to restore his reputation after scientists claimed his skeleton of the bird was a fake. He spent decades in isolation, becoming paranoid that anyone visiting Paradise Falls was trying to steal his glory.

Is there a sequel to Up?▼

There is no feature-length sequel, but the story continues in the Disney+ series 'Dug Days' and the short film 'Carl's Date', which explores Carl's life after the movie.

What is the significance of the opening montage?▼

The 'Married Life' sequence is famous for telling Carl and Ellie's entire love story in just a few minutes without dialogue, establishing the emotional core of Carl's motivation.

Did Russell get his 'Assisting the Elderly' badge?▼

Yes, at the end of the film, Carl presents Russell with the grape soda badge as his 'Assisting the Elderly' badge, attending the ceremony in place of Russell's absent father.

Official & Related Links

Find official resources and trusted references to learn more.

Official Website

Visit Official Site

Twitter

@DisneyPixar

Facebook

Pixar

Instagram

@pixar

Streaming / Watch

Disney+Various digital rental platforms

Characters Page

https://www.enjoyip.com/franchises/up/characters

Works Page

https://www.enjoyip.com/franchises/up/works

Collectibles Page

https://www.enjoyip.com/franchises/up/collectibles

Experiences Page

https://www.enjoyip.com/franchises/up/experiences

Pop Culture Destinations

Filming Locations

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