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Pixar Seeks Audience Boost as Elio Underperforms at Box Office

The studio has publicly urged fans to turn out following the film’s $96 million global take on a $150 million budget

A scene from Disney and Pixar’s “Elio.” (Disney/Pixar/TNS)
Elio (Yonas Kibreab) fist-bumping Glordon (Remy Edgerly) in 'Elio.'

Overview

  • Elio has grossed $96 million worldwide against a $150 million production budget, marking Pixar’s lowest-grossing theatrical release.
  • Pixar has asked fans to support the film after lifting prior publicity restrictions and overhauling its marketing strategy.
  • Insiders reveal Disney executives cut queer-coded, Latinx and environmental themes during extensive mid-production rewrites following Adrian Molina’s departure.
  • The guardian role was recast from a mother originally voiced by America Ferrera to an aunt voiced by Zoe Saldaña to heighten emotional stakes.
  • CCO Pete Docter and other studio leaders are reevaluating the balance between original stories and franchise sequels under pressure to restore creative representation and financial returns.