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Los Angeles Times
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Pixar's ‘Elio' reportedly stripped of queer representation after test screenings
The version of 'Elio' that hit theaters on June 20 is not the same movie that Adrian Molina, the film's original director, intended to put out. Pixar removed LGBTQ+ elements from the animated feature after receiving negative feedback from test screenings with audience members and executives, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The film follows an 11-year-old boy named Elio who is mistaken for Earth's ambassador by aliens and is beamed up to the Communiverse — an intergalactic organization — to represent the planet. Trouble began in the summer of 2023 during a test screening in Arizona. After the film was over, audience members were asked to raise their hand if the movies was something they'd pay to see in theaters. No one did, causing Pixar executives to worry. According to THR, Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter informed Molina after a separate screening for company executives that storyboard artist Madeline Sharafian would be promoted to co-director. Molina, who is gay, was given the option to co-direct the film with Sharafian but chose to exit the project instead after his original vision was changed. Shortly after, Docter announced internally that 'Turning Red' director and co-writer Domee Shi would join 'Elio' as co-director. Changes to the film included getting rid of a scene in which Elio shows off a pink tank top made out of beach litter to a hermit crab, as well as removing picture frames from Elio's bedroom wall that displayed a male crush. Executives also asked him to make the main character more 'masculine.' 'I was deeply saddened and aggrieved by the changes that were made,' former Pixar assistant editor Sarah Ligatich, who was a member of the company's internal LGBTQ+ group and provided feedback during the production of 'Elio,' told THR. Ligatich added that a number of creatives working behind the scenes left after the new directors went in a different direction. 'The exodus of talent after that cut was really indicative of how unhappy a lot of people were that they had changed and destroyed this beautiful work,' she said. Actor America Ferrera was originally attached to the project as the voice of Elio's mother, Olga. Following Molina's departure, the 'Barbie' actor left the production because the film lacked 'Latinx representation in the leadership.' The character was later changed to be Elio's aunt and was voiced by Zoe Saldaña. In March 2025, Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger announced Molina would return as co-director for 'Coco 2,' a follow-up to the 2017 film he co-wrote and co-directed. 'Elio' earned Pixar its worst domestic opening after it premiered on June 20. he film made $21 million at the box office and currently holds a 'fresh' 83% critics rating on the website Rotten Tomatoes. 'The Elio that is in theaters right now is far worse than Adrian's best version of the original,' a former Pixar staffer who worked on the film told THR. '[The character] Elio was just so cute and so much fun and had so much personality, and now he feels much more generic to me,' added another Pixar staffer. In a 2018 interview with the Huffington Post, Molina said he was 'all for it' when asked what it would take for an animated studio to green light a story with a queer protagonist. The Times reached out to Pixar for comment, but the studio did not respond.
Hype Malaysia
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
Pixar's 'ELIO' Creatives Claim Erasure Of Queer Themes Is Reason For Film's Failure
Recently, filmmakers have pushed for more diversity in characters and casts across race, religion, sexuality, and identity. This shift helps attract broader audiences and makes stories feel more inclusive. When directors connect to the material, their films often feel more authentic and emotionally impactful. That creative bond can then shape a film's message and elevate its emotional core. However, problems arise when studios restrict that vision – and Pixar's 'ELIO' serves as a recent example. It aimed to explore self-acceptance and identity, but became a watered-down sci-fi story for kids. As a result, its deeper message felt incomplete and unfocused. Originally, the main protagonist, Elio, was meant to portray a queer-coded character to reflect the director, Adrian Molina's identity, since he is an openly gay man. He had stated that he had not intended the film to be a coming out story since Elio is only 11 years old in the film. Alternately, it was meant to be a story that many queer people could relate to, without making it seem pushed or forced onto the audience. However, reports suggested that Pixar executives were going out of their way to make sure scenes suggesting Elio's possible queer identity were softened out. Instead, they opted to subtly hint in the background that Elio had a male 'crush' and focused on making Elio grow into more of a masculine and mature character after feedback from the higher-ups. Although the movie received solid reviews, many felt it lacked the depth that Adrian's original script could have delivered. A former artist noted, 'Remove that key piece about identity, and Elio just becomes about nothing.' Another added, 'Elio was so cute and fun—he had personality. Now, he feels much more generic to me.' As a result, some artists questioned why the studio didn't protect the emotional core of the story. Later, after screening the latest cut, Pixar's chief creative officer, Pete Docter, gave Adrian critical feedback. Although the exact words remain private, sources say Adrian felt deeply offended by the remarks. Consequently, he stepped away from the project, and several team members followed soon after. According to an interview, Pete explained that Adrian had left to pursue other unnamed 'priority projects', which was later revealed to be the upcoming Pixar film 'Coco 2'. 'ELIO' had Pixar's lowest opening weekend, earning only US$20.8 million (RM87.2 million) domestically and US$14 million (RM58.7 million) overseas. Despite the disappointing numbers, executives remain hopeful. They point to 'Elemental', which also opened slowly but later found success and praise. Many critics described 'ELIO' as a 'perfectly nice kiddie sci-fi adventure,' offering faint approval without much excitement. Meanwhile, several Pixar artists have questioned why the studio didn't let Adrian tell Elio's story. As they believe, a more authentic version could have boosted box office results. Now, the team can only hope the same mistake won't happen again with 'Hoppers', Pixar's next animated film which is set to release next year. Source: The Hollywood Reporter Zaima Humaira contributed to this article What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
Edmonton Journal
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Edmonton Journal
Canadian Oscar-winning filmmaker draws from childhood for Elio, a tale about lonely boy's search for life in the universe
Article content Domee Shi may have signed on to co-direct the new Pixar Animation Studios movie, Elio, about halfway through its lengthy production schedule, but it didn't take her long to identify with the film's protagonist. Shi, who currently lives in California but spent most of her life in Toronto, co-directed the animated film with Madeline Sharafian after original director Adrian Molina amicably left the production to work on Pixar's Coco 2. (Shi, Sharafian and Molina are all credited as co-directors.)
Toronto Sun
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
Canadian Oscar-winning filmmaker draws from childhood for Elio, a tale about lonely boy's search for life in the universe
A scene from the film Elio. Courtesy, Pixar. Photo by Pixar / PIXAR Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Domee Shi may have signed on to co-direct the new Pixar Animation Studios movie, Elio, about halfway through its lengthy production schedule, but it didn't take her long to identify with the film's protagonist. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Shi, who currently lives in California but spent most of her life in Toronto, co-directed the animated film with Madeline Sharafian after original director Adrian Molina amicably left the production to work on Pixar's Coco 2. (Shi, Sharafian and Molina are all credited as co-directors.) As both a creative vice-president for Pixar and a fan of Molina's work, Shi had been following the production ever since it was first pitched in 2020. But it was well underway and the concept well-established by the time Shi officially signed on. Still, she felt a real kinship with the film's titular character, a young boy whose dream of being whisked away to another planet comes true, and he is introduced to the Communiverse, a benevolent interplanetary organization with representatives from galaxies far and wide. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'With every project I'm on, I try to connect with and identify with the main character in some way,' says Shi in a Zoom interview with Postmedia. 'I have to find my way into the main character. For Elio, it definitely was that loneliness and desperation to belong that I drew from my own childhood and teenhood, just feeling like the only kid in school who liked anime and people not understanding why I liked these Japanese cartoons with big eyes and wacky expressions. I was like, 'No, it's not just that! It's because they are very deep characters with rich stories and arcs.' 'Being obsessed with going to animation school, being obsessed with being accepted there, I think that obsession and need to find my people is what I infused into the character of Elio. When he gets abducted and witnesses the Communiverse for the first time, that was definitely my feeling when I first stepped foot into Sheridan College. I finally got into the animation program there and got to meet fellow nerds like myself. That was such an amazing feeling.' Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Filmmaker Domee Shi, co-director of Pixar's Elio. Courtesy, Pixar. Like all of Pixar's creations, Elio presents a wondrous, imaginative world full of offbeat characters and warm humour. But there is also a sadness underlying the film and its main character. Elio, voiced by 14-year-old actor Yonas Kibrea, is a lonely 11-year-old whose desperation to be abducted by aliens seems to be driven by a need to know he isn't alone in the universe. After his parents die, he is taken in by his Aunt Olga (voiced by Zoe Saldana), who becomes his loving but occasionally overwhelmed caregiver. A respected Air Force officer, Olga has to deal with her troubled nephew and his single-minded obsession with contacting aliens while reining in her career ambitions. Elio doesn't feel like he belongs in her world, and also has nagging guilt over the possibility that his unexpected arrival in her life has disrupted Olga's life plans. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Elio's interest in contacting life in outer space begins after he learns about the real-life Voyager satellite, which was launched in 1977, containing a 'Golden Record' from the children of Earth inviting aliens to come visit. The invitation works, and aliens contact Earth, which is intercepted and answered by Elio at his aunt's Air Force base. He is taken to the Communiverse after its colourful ambassadors mistake him for Earth's ruler. Elio doesn't correct the mistake, which eventually leads to him taking on a dangerous mission to negotiate peace with the hostile Lord Grigon (voiced by Everybody Loves Raymond star Brad Garrett), who wants to wage war on the Commuiverse after being rejected as a member. Along the way, Elio learns a lot of family-friendly lessons about friendship, belonging, the importance of family and home, and not to judge a book by its cover. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'It's not like we start our movies wanting to have a message,' Shi says. 'I think we start our movies with a really fun and unique what-if concept, and we start with the character. With the main character, how does he start in the movie, and how does he change? Where does he end up in the movie? What is driving him, and what is making the audience care about him and want to go on a journey with him? Then it's interesting, as you're working on a story or a movie, the theme starts to emerge slowly and naturally as you are working with the material. For us, yeah, the theme of loneliness and seeking connection just organically started to bubble up as we were talking in the room. We love this quirky kid who wants to be abducted by aliens, but we just kept asking ourselves, 'Why does he want to be abducted by aliens?' What is driving that need to go off the planet?' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. On top of that, Elio is essentially a sci-fi movie, a genre Shi has always wanted to explore. 'I was really excited to jump into this new sandbox that I've never been able to play in,' she says. 'I've never done sci-fi before, but I love sci-fi movies. I grew up watching E.T. I love Gravity. I love Alien. I love the use of space and aliens as metaphors and allegories of things the protagonist is going through internally.' A scene from the film Elio. Courtesy, Pixar. Photo by Pixar / PIXAR After graduating from Sheridan College, Shi was hired as a story intern at Pixar and quickly graduated to story artist, working on the Oscar-winning feature, 2015's Inside Out. She worked on The Good Dinosaur, Incredibles 2 and Toy Story 4. Initially, she was happy being a story artist and had no real ambitions to direct films for the company. But she did begin developing her own project, a short film called Bao. It told the story of a lonely Chinese-Canadian woman whose steamed bun comes to life. She initially intended to make it as a side project and had no intention of pitching it to Pixar. But she did show it to Pete Docter, a veteran director of the company's films and Pixar's current chief creative officer. He encouraged her to pitch it to Pixar. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'It was way more quote, unquote adult,' she says of the original concept. 'It wasn't G-rated. There is a PG-13 version of Bao somewhere on my computer that I probably won't ever show anybody.' It was the first Pixar film to be directed by a female and ended up winning her an Oscar in 2018 for best animated short. Since then, Shi made her feature directorial debut with 2022's Turning Red, which was also nominated for an Academy Award. For those who watch the end credits of Elio, or any Pixar film for that matter, it's clear that it takes a sprawling team of animators and other craftspeople to create a movie. 'It takes a village,' Shi says. 'It's incredibly inspiring and also daunting to lead these projects because there are so many people involved. They kind of come on at different parts of production, so it's not like everyone comes on all at once, and you are suddenly this captain of this 2,000-person army. Because our movies take four or five years to make, people come on steadily and then they wrap and different people come on and they wrap. So not too bad, but then if you zoom out and look at the credits, it's like, 'Oh my God, that's a lot of people.' But that's what it takes to make animation. People don't understand that animation is blood, sweat and tears. Everything you see on screen takes a person, an artisan, to bring to life.' Elio opens June 20. Columnists Columnists Toronto & GTA Toronto & GTA World
Calgary Herald
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Calgary Herald
Canadian Oscar-winning filmmaker draws from childhood for Elio, a tale about lonely boy's search for life in the universe
Domee Shi may have signed on to co-direct the new Pixar Animation Studios movie, Elio, about halfway through its lengthy production schedule, but it didn't take her long to identify with the film's protagonist. Article content Shi, who currently lives in California but spent most of her life in Toronto, co-directed the animated film with Madeline Sharafian after original director Adrian Molina amicably left the production to work on Pixar's Coco 2. (Shi, Sharafian and Molina are all credited as co-directors.) Article content Article content As both a creative vice-president for Pixar and a fan of Molina's work, Shi had been following the production ever since it was first pitched in 2020. Article content Article content But it was well underway and the concept well-established by the time Shi officially signed on. Still, she felt a real kinship with the film's titular character, a young boy whose dream of being whisked away to another planet comes true, and he is introduced to the Communiverse, a benevolent interplanetary organization with representatives from galaxies far and wide. Article content 'With every project I'm on, I try to connect with and identify with the main character in some way,' says Shi in a Zoom interview with Postmedia. 'I have to find my way into the main character. For Elio, it definitely was that loneliness and desperation to belong that I drew from my own childhood and teenhood, just feeling like the only kid in school who liked anime and people not understanding why I liked these Japanese cartoons with big eyes and wacky expressions. I was like, 'No, it's not just that! It's because they are very deep characters with rich stories and arcs.' Article content Article content 'Being obsessed with going to animation school, being obsessed with being accepted there, I think that obsession and need to find my people is what I infused into the character of Elio. When he gets abducted and witnesses the Communiverse for the first time, that was definitely my feeling when I first stepped foot into Sheridan College. I finally got into the animation program there and got to meet fellow nerds like myself. That was such an amazing feeling.' Article content Article content Like all of Pixar's creations, Elio presents a wondrous, imaginative world full of offbeat characters and warm humour. But there is also a sadness underlying the film and its main character. Elio, voiced by 14-year-old actor Yonas Kibrea, is a lonely 11-year-old whose desperation to be abducted by aliens seems to be driven by a need to know he isn't alone in the universe. After his parents die, he is taken in by his Aunt Olga (voiced by Zoe Saldana), who becomes his loving but occasionally overwhelmed caregiver. A respected Air Force officer, Olga has to deal with her troubled nephew and his single-minded obsession with contacting aliens while reining in her career ambitions. Elio doesn't feel like he belongs in her world, and also has nagging guilt over the possibility that his unexpected arrival in her life has disrupted Olga's life plans.
