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Despite these figures, Disney’s official statements are attempting to frame Elemental as a "profitable" or at least "not a loss-making" venture. Pixar’s president has publicly admitted that the opening weekend was disappointing, and estimates now project a total box office close to $460 million worldwide — figures that fall short of the threshold needed to recoup the massive costs.
The studio claims that with additional revenue streams — including streaming rights and licensing — the film might eventually turn a profit. This positioning is part of a broader narrative that Disney is "rebounding" from its setbacks. However, industry-standard profit calculations reveal a different picture.