The Lowdown on ‘Up’ From Asner

Posted on May 22, 2009

Department of Defense / William D. Moss

The Wall Street Journal interviewed veteran actor Edward Asner on his role in Pixar’s new film “Up,” due in theaters May 29. “Because it involves humans, I’m most pleased to be in it,”  Asner said. “I loved that it was about two human beings who love each other ... .”

The Wall Street Journal:

“Up,” the new feature from Walt Disney’s Pixar animation studio, is meant for kids, but the movie also tackles a host of adult themes tied to the life of the main character, 78-year-old Carl Fredricksen, played by veteran actor Edward Asner. An early montage—sparse on dialogue—catalogues the life and love of Carl and his soul mate, Ellie, whose death leaves Carl lonely and angry. He later ties balloons to his house, flies away, and has an adventure with a young “Wilderness Explorer” stowaway.

Director Pete Docter, one of Pixar’s early employees who also directed 2001’s “Monsters, Inc.,” says he and co-director Bob Peterson were brainstorming back in 2004 about things like getting old and escaping from society. Those ideas eventually took shape as “Up.” While they may not have had the 79-year-old Mr. Asner in mind as the leading candidate to star in the movie in the beginning, they were quickly convinced he was their man.

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