From the studio that has brought us Up and Inside Out, now brings you Onward!
Pixar and Disney’s Onward tells the story of two teenage elf brothers, Ian [Tom Holland] and Barley Lightfoot [Chris Pratt] as they go on a magic-filled journey in hopes of reconnecting with their father who died before Ian was born and when Barley was very young. On his 16th birthday, Ian receives a magical wizard staff that can allow him to bring back his father, but only for 24hrs. When urged by Barley to use the spell, Ian accidentally only brings back his father’s legs which commences the quest to bring the rest of their father back before time runs out.
Chris Pratt, Tom Holland, Dan Scanlon, Kori Rae
The heartfelt film is filled with laughter, joy, and tears and the ability to either relate or connect with at least one or more of the characters is undeniable. Director Dan Scanlon was able to add a very personal feel to the movie considering the essence of the premise was based off his life. Scanlon’s father passed away when he was just a baby and just like the Lightfoot brothers, Scanlon and his brother treasured even the smallest memories that would give hints as to how their father was.
Producer Kori Rae, Director Dan Scanlon
Chris Pratt also felt an immense personal connection to the brotherhood between Barley and Ian. “I was Ian and my brother was Barley,” Pratt states as he explains how his older brother always wanted to be an actor, and he grew up watching him do plays and assemblies, although he ultimately joined the army. While Pratt was inspired to pursue an acting career because of his brother and has received great success, his brother has remained excited and proud of him, without an ounce of jealousy; similar to Barley’s unconditional love and genuine happiness for Ian’s newfound powers. “I think that’s what makes this brotherhood and this relationship so special. That’s why grown men come up to me and say, wow I was really moved, I really cried; and the reason why is it celebrates the love between two brothers and brotherhood and that often times you don’t see in movies,” states Pratt.
Both on-screen and off-screen the brotherhood and chemistry between Pratt and Holland is infectious. “Let’s talk about the chemistry here. Now you know why it’s called chemistry, you throw two chemicals together and it’s an explosion, a chemical reaction. They wanted to get that heat,” Pratt explains of working with Holland at the studio. “Chris and I were so close already, even before making this film, so it was almost like we were playing ourselves,” states Holland. Onward is in theaters everywhere on March 6 and as Holland so effortlessly put it, “you don’t say no to Pixar.”
