Pixar’s ‘Elio‘ Box Office Failure Sparks Debate Over Creative Changes

Pixar’s latest film,Elio,has become a focal point of controversy following its disappointing box office debut,igniting debate over important creative alterations made during production. Initial versions of Elio, directed by Adrian Molina, featured a queer-coded protagonist, but these elements were gradually removed, leading some insiders to question whether the changes contributed to the film’s underperformance.

‘Elio’s’ Troubled Production History

The journey of Elio to the big screen was far from smooth.The animated film, centered on a young boy mistaken as Earth’s leader by an intergalactic organization, experienced a series of pivotal changes that ultimately shaped its final form.

An early test screening in Arizona raised concerns when, despite positive feedback on the movie itself, not a single viewer indicated they would pay to see it in theaters. This prompted studio executives to re-evaluate the film’s direction.

Did You Know? Test screenings are a common practice in the film industry, used to gauge audience reactions and identify potential issues before a movie is released.

Director Departure and Creative Shift

Around the same time as the test screening, Molina presented his latest version of Elio to Pixar’s leadership. Differing accounts exist regarding the specific feedback Molina received from Pixar’s chief creative officer, Pete Docter. Though, it is indeed clear that Molina soon departed from the project. Madeline Sharafian and Domee Shi subsequently stepped in as co-directors, leading to considerable revisions of Elio.

After a year-long delay, Elio premiered on June 22, garnering only $20.8 million domestically, marking the lowest opening in Pixar’s history. This outcome has fueled discussions about the impact of the creative changes.

concerns Over Character Representation

Former Pixar assistant editor sarah Ligatich, a member of the company’s internal LGBTQ group pixpride, expressed her disappointment with the changes made to Elio. While praising Sharafian and Shi as filmmakers, Ligatich noted that several creatives left the project after the new directors presented their version of the movie.

“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 stunning work,” Ligatich stated.

Another former Pixar artist, who wished to remain anonymous, echoed these concerns, stating that studio leaders consistently diminished moments alluding to Elio’s queer identity during the initial production phase.

Pro Tip: Maintaining a consistent creative vision throughout a film’s production is crucial for ensuring a cohesive and impactful final product.

Molina’s Transition to ‘Coco 2’

Following his departure from Elio, Molina was offered the possibility to co-direct the film with Sharafian, but he declined due to the extensive alterations to his original vision. Later, disney CEO Bob Iger announced the growth of Coco 2, with Molina returning as co-director. disney acquired Pixar in 2006.

In summer 2024, Docter told The Wrap that Molina left Elio to move to an unnamed “priority project”.

Impact on the Final Product

A former Pixar artist lamented the removal of key elements related to identity, arguing that it stripped Elio of its core meaning. “The Elio that is in theaters right now is far worse than Adrian’s best version of the original,” the artist asserted.

Another former Pixar staffer who worked on the film added that the character Elio was just a shell of what he could have been.

‘Elio’ Production Timeline

The film’s trajectory has become a cautionary tale, prompting questions about the value of the rewrite. One artist involved in the production wonders if Disney would have avoided such significant financial losses by allowing Molina to tell his original story.

What are your thoughts on creative changes in film production? Do you think studios should prioritize original visions over marketability?

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