Pixar’s upcoming film, Elio, seems to be facing challenges, marking what could be the fourth disappointment for Disney this year. The lead character, an 11-year-old boy named Elio, underwent significant changes during re-shoots, stripping away much of his uniqueness.
Indeed, you read that right. The original concept of Elio, aimed at young children, featured its protagonist as a “queer” character.
And this is part of why I refer to the Walt Disney Company as the Disney Grooming Syndicate.
Many concerned parents want to safeguard their children’s innocence and would likely prefer to keep Pixar employees away from their kids and their entertainment choices.
In a recent story from the Hollywood Reporter with the title “Inside ‘Elio’s’ ‘Devastating’ Pass: Exit for America Ferrera, Director Changes and Erasure of Strange Themes,” the challenges laid bare the discomfort within Pixar.
“Staff members at Pixar discussed the latest version of Elio a couple of years ago in a video,” reported thr. “One scene highlighted a boy collecting trash on a beach and repurposing it into homemade clothing, including a pink tank top.”
Things are getting dicier…
Following the re-shoots, photos emerged that illustrated not just a boy’s dedication to environmentalism and fashion but also suggested more mature themes in Elio’s bedroom.
So, despite some audiences rejecting Disney’s previous films like Lightyear and A Strange World, it seems Pixar’s choice to tone down Elio’s uniqueness may negatively impact the film’s box office appeal.
Ah, it feels like Pixar is grappling with something resembling PixPride…
“I was genuinely disappointed and frustrated with the alterations made,” said Sarah Ligatic, a former assistant editor at Pixar who was involved with Elio through the company’s internal LGBTQ initiative, PixPride. “After the changes were implemented, there was a noticeable exodus of talent. It felt like there was a rebellion against the removal of representation in children’s animation.”
Another animator recalled, “It was evident during the first version’s production. [Studio heads] were constantly downgrading scenes that hinted at Elio’s sexuality.”
This conflict is part of a broader trend. Many see it as an opening for acceptance of same-sex marriage, and we’ve seen similar themes making their way into children’s programming—a movement that feels pervasive now.
And here’s the ironic twist…
Some have started claiming that the film’s failure at the box office proves that the “strangeness” of the character was a loss.
“All of a sudden, you’ve removed a significant element related to identity,” said a former Pixar artist. “Now, Elio seems more like a typical production, less remarkable than the original vision.” Another former staff member agreed, stating that Elio used to have such charm and personality, but now feels bland.
Monstrous.
John Norte’s first and last novels, The Time I Rented, I’m Winning have received glowing reviews from everyday readers.
