Carl is based on a few people, Spencer Tracy for one as well as an old Disney animator named Joe Grant and Walter Matthau
Ellie is the director's daughter Elizabeth (Elie) Docter
"Docter noted the film reflects his friendships with Disney veterans Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston and Joe Grant (who all died before the film's release). Grant gave the script his approval as well as some advice before his death in 2005.[8] Docter recalled Grant would remind him the audience needed an "emotional bedrock" because of how wacky the adventure would become; in this case it is Carl mourning for his wife.[7] Docter felt Grant's personality influenced Carl's deceased wife Ellie more than the grouchy main character,[8] and Carl was primarily based on Spencer Tracy and Walter Matthau, because there was "something sweet about these grumpy old guys".
Re: Please let me know if you learn who the real Carl and Ellie Fredrickson are.
Carl is based on a few people, Spencer Tracy for one as well as an old Disney animator named Joe Grant and Walter Matthau
Ellie is the director's daughter Elizabeth (Elie) Docter
"Docter noted the film reflects his friendships with Disney veterans Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston and Joe Grant (who all died before the film's release). Grant gave the script his approval as well as some advice before his death in 2005.[8] Docter recalled Grant would remind him the audience needed an "emotional bedrock" because of how wacky the adventure would become; in this case it is Carl mourning for his wife.[7] Docter felt Grant's personality influenced Carl's deceased wife Ellie more than the grouchy main character,[8] and Carl was primarily based on Spencer Tracy and Walter Matthau, because there was "something sweet about these grumpy old guys".