8 Crazy Pixar Fan Theories

3. Carl Died At The Beginning Of Up

Finding Nemo
Pixar

The crescendo of misery that are these fan theories reaches its apex here, with one final, devastating solo. Up is already one of the most heartbreaking Pixar (or any studio, for that matter) films anyway, or at least the first 15 minutes are, as it's basically impossible to sit through them without a tear coming to your eye. Now get ready for it to get ever sadder. 

The theory states that the moment Carl is told he has to move out of his house is the last 'real' part of the film. Shortly after that happens, he dies in his sleep, and the rest of the film is his journey to the afterlife. I told you it was a sad one. 

Russell shows up as his guardian angel, trying to earn his final badge (thinl Clarence earning his wings in It's A Wonderful Life), and of course he's a child as Carl and Ellie could never have children. The house, which holds so many memories, represents his attachment to the physical world. So he has to move up from that, and to heaven, otherwise known as Paradise Falls. 

Could someone pass the tissues?

Contributor
Contributor

NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.