Who is the young Wilderness Explorer in Up?

Russell is the young Wilderness Explorer in Pixar’s Up. He is an earnest, energetic Junior Wilderness Explorer who arrives at Carl Fredricksen’s house hoping to earn his final merit badge for helping the elderly.

Russell’s visit becomes unexpectedly adventurous when Carl’s house is lifted into the sky by thousands of balloons. Russell is still outside when the house rises, so he travels with Carl to South America. Together they reach Paradise Falls, the destination Carl had promised to visit with his late wife, Ellie.

Although Russell initially seems like an interruption, his kindness and persistence make him central to the story. He helps Carl understand that meaningful memories are not limited to the adventures he planned with Ellie. Russell also forms a bond with Dug, a friendly talking dog, and helps protect Kevin, a rare giant bird pursued by explorer Charles Muntz.

The other options are characters from Carl’s past or present. Muntz is the famous explorer and antagonist, Ellie is Carl’s late wife, and Carl is the elderly widower who owns the balloon-lifted house. Russell is voiced by Jordan Nagai in the 2009 film.