The historic failure of Pixar’s latest film, Elio, has sparked a flurry of criticism directed at Disney executives. The film, which recorded the worst opening in Pixar’s storied history, is at the center of controversy over alleged alterations to its main character’s queer themes. According to The Hollywood Reporter, these changes were implemented by executives who wanted to make the character “more masculine.”
The changes reportedly led to the departure of the film’s openly gay director, Adrian Molina, and actress America Ferrera, who was cast as the voice of a principal character. Insiders have claimed that the film, once rich with identity and personality, became “about totally nothing” after these revisions.
Background and Production Challenges
Elio tells the story of an 11-year-old boy who navigates life in a new space city after being mistakenly identified as Earth’s ambassador to the universe. Originally, the character of Elio was envisioned as a “queer-coded” individual by Molina. Early drafts depicted Elio as a fashion-loving environmentalist, with scenes that subtly hinted at his sexuality.
However, Pixar executives, still reeling from backlash over a same-sex kiss in the 2023 film Lightyear, reportedly pressured the creative team to alter Elio’s character. A former Pixar artist, speaking anonymously, noted that studio leaders were “constantly sanding down these moments in the film that alluded to Elio’s sexuality.”
“Suddenly, you remove this big, key piece, which is all about identity, and Elio just becomes about totally nothing,” the artist lamented.
Implications of Creative Changes
The reworking of Elio led to significant changes in the film’s production team. Following an early test screening in 2023, where audience interest was notably absent, Molina left the project. The film was then reworked under new co-directors Madeline Sharafian and Domee Shi. Around the same time, America Ferrera exited the project, citing scheduling conflicts, although sources suggest her departure was linked to Molina’s exit and concerns over Latinx representation.
Despite the changes, Elio struggled to attract audiences. Its domestic opening grossed a mere $21 million, marking the lowest box office opening in Pixar’s history. This was insufficient to offset the production costs, which reportedly exceeded $150 million, with some insiders suggesting the figure was over $200 million.
Disney’s Broader Strategy and Industry Reactions
This controversy is part of a broader narrative concerning Disney’s recent strategic shifts. In the past year, Disney has pivoted away from aggressively incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion themes in its programming. This change followed a series of box office disappointments and criticism over what some perceived as gratuitous inclusions of gay characters and moments of intimacy.
Disney CEO Bob Iger has publicly stated that politics can be “bad for business,” signaling a return to more traditional storytelling. This shift comes as Disney continues to face backlash over its live-action adaptation of Snow White, which also underperformed at the box office.
“The move represents a significant recalibration of Disney’s approach to diversity in its content, as the company seeks to balance creative expression with commercial viability,” industry analyst Sarah Thompson observed.
Looking Forward: The Future of Inclusive Storytelling
The situation with Elio raises questions about the future of inclusive storytelling in mainstream media. While some argue that the inclusion of diverse characters is essential for representation, others caution against alienating core audiences.
As Disney navigates these complex dynamics, the entertainment industry watches closely. The company’s decisions will likely influence how other studios approach diversity and representation in their projects.
Ultimately, the reception of Elio serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between creative vision and audience expectations, a balance that Disney and other studios will continue to grapple with in the evolving landscape of entertainment.
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