Image Source: Disney Pictures
Pixar's latest animated feature, "Elio," has reportedly been one of its most tumultuous productions in recent years. Not only did it see a change in director and voice cast mid-production, but its storyline also underwent significant rewrites. As the film recently debuted in North American theaters, more details about its behind-the-scenes struggles are coming to light.
The Hollywood Reporter (THR) recently published an article interviewing several internal sources involved in "Elio's" production. One source revealed that the protagonist, Elio, was initially conceived as queer, with elements in his room subtly hinting at his attraction to boys. However, Pixar executives reportedly pushed to downplay any characteristics that would highlight his sexual orientation, significantly diluting elements like his environmental advocacy and passion for fashion. The source also emphasized that while original director Adrian Molina is gay, he had no intention of portraying the film as a coming-out story before his departure.
Executives didn't just demand "Elio" be "harmonized." Another original film, "Hoppers," slated for release next year, was also reportedly asked to tone down its environmental themes. Furthermore, a separate film in early development was allegedly instructed to "avoid any divorce storylines," though some sources have refuted the claim regarding the latter.
Image Source: Disney Pictures
While many Pixar employees involved in "Elio's" production praised Molina's version, believing he had clearly crafted Elio's distinct personality, the film received a lukewarm reception after a secret test screening in Arizona two years ago. Although audience members had a generally positive impression of the movie, when asked if they would buy tickets to see it again in theaters, no one raised their hand.
Around the same time two years ago, Molina screened another version for Pixar's internal executives. Reportedly, Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter delivered harsh criticism, which deeply hurt Molina. While this account cannot be independently verified, Molina did subsequently exit the production, and the final film was heavily revised by the director who took over. Docter had previously explained that Molina's departure was to develop another, higher-priority film, though he didn't specify which one at the time. It wasn't until March of this year that Disney confirmed Molina would return to direct "Coco 2," suggesting these are the same project.
Image Source: Disney Pictures
Some sources believe the revised "Elio" ruined what was originally a strong project, falling far short of Molina's original version. They suggest that removing key elements related to identity left the story lacking focus, transforming Elio from a charming and distinctive protagonist into a generic one.
Sources also claim that Molina's departure impacted the voice cast. Elio's aunt, now voiced by Zoe Saldaña, was originally conceived as Elio's mother and was to be voiced by America Ferrera. The source indicated that Ferrera's mid-production exit was due to a perceived lack of Latinx representation in the film's leadership after Molina's departure, feeling the team lacked racial diversity, prompting her to leave alongside the director. However, the source also noted that numerous script revisions, which required her to constantly re-record lines, were another factor in her decision to step down.
Although "Elio" garnered praise from many critics and audiences upon its release, its box office performance has been dismal, marking Pixar's lowest opening weekend gross in North America to date.