Pixar’s Latest Film Faces Backlash
A recent report indicates that significant changes were made to the protagonist of Pixar’s new animated feature, “Elio,” after pre-release audience tests showed a lack of interest.
The film, which centers around an 11-year-old boy that gets transported into space and unwittingly becomes an ambassador for Earth, did not perform well at the box office.
One former staff member expressed disappointment, stating, “The changes really demonstrated how many people altered and marred what was a beautiful piece.”
Amid the film’s struggles, some crew members have blamed Pixar executives for diluting the character’s intended portrayal as gay, as reported by the Hollywood Reporter.
Test screenings in Arizona revealed a general appreciation for the movie, yet no attendees indicated they would consider watching it in theaters where studio executives were present.
Adrian Morina, who was the film’s original director and is openly gay, departed from the project after discussions with executives, leading to a co-director taking over.
Under Morina’s guidance, the protagonist was characterized as passionate about fashion and environmentalism, along with a scene that suggested he had romantic feelings for another boy, which was ultimately removed by executives.
As the film faced its disappointing box office results, crew members pointed fingers at the studio leadership for sacrificing crucial aspects of the story. Sarah Ligatich, a former assistant editor and member of PixPride, Pixar’s internal LGBTQ group, noted, “I felt heartbroken and troubled by the revisions.”
Ligatich also mentioned that after the cuts, many creative talents departed the project, although the studio has denied these claims.
Another ex-Pixar artist shared insights, saying, “Throughout the initial production, it became evident that studio leaders were continually fine-tuning elements that hinted at Elio’s sexuality.”
Others suggested that the characters were far more engaging in the original version, only to become more generic following executive input. “Suddenly, you’ve stripped away this significant theme regarding identity,” the former artist remarked.
The film also encountered challenges with the sudden exit of actress America Ferrera, who was to voice the mother character. While Pixar cited scheduling conflicts, the Hollywood Reporter hinted at a connection to the director’s departure. A former artist remarked, “There was frustration surrounding the lack of Latin representation in leadership roles.”
Though the production costs were estimated at around $150 million, some staff believed it exceeded that amount. Ultimately, the opening weekend yielded a dismal total of just under $21 million.
