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2w ago

Pixar Faces Backlash After Cutting LGBTQ and Latinx Themes From Elio

Internal protests over removed identity scenes have intensified following Elio’s record-low opening weekend.

Elio, voiced by Yonas Kibreab, in a scene from “Elio.”
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Overview

  • PixPRIDE member Sarah Ligatich said she was deeply saddened by the removal of queer-coded scenes and warned of a growing talent exodus.
  • Executives replaced original co-director Adrian Molina with Domee Shi and Madeline Sharafian after demanding cuts to LGBTQ and Latinx material.
  • Elio earned just $20.8 million domestically on its debut weekend against a budget of over $200 million, the poorest opening in Pixar’s history.
  • America Ferrera exited the project in protest over diminished Latinx leadership and was replaced by Zoe Saldaña, who now voices Elio’s mother.
  • Pixar’s social media appeals for audience support of original films have drawn criticism and reignited debates over creative autonomy under Disney.