The Pixar animated film Elio was delayed due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.
Elio is an upcoming animated science fiction adventure film produced by Pixar Animation Studios. The film’s story revolves around Elio Solis, an 11-year-old boy who accidentally becomes an intergalactic Ambassador of planet Earth and must form a new bond with the aliens after being beamed up to the Communiverse by them.
The voice cast includes Yonas Kibreab as Elio Solis, Jameela Jamil as Ambassador Questa, Zoe Saldaña as Olga Solis, Brad Garrett as Lord Grigon, and others. Rob Simonsen composed the film’s musical score.
Is Elio’s release delayed?
Yes, the Pixar film has witnessed a delay in its release date. The animated sci-fi film was originally scheduled to be released on March 1, 2024. The reason behind this delay was the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, according to Pete Docter. According to The Hollywood Reporter, “Disney’s Bob Iger and other Hollywood CEOs told SAG-AFTRA earlier this week that the deadline to salvage their 2024 theatrical slates is all but upon them.”
Not just the strike, Docter revealed that the leadership change in the film and other Pixar projects also contributed to the delay. Similarly, Disney’s live-action Snow White, like Elio, has been pushed back by a year. Regarding the film’s release date, the animated film is scheduled to premiere on June 13, 2025.
What is Elio about?
Disney Pixar’s Elio’s official premise is as follows: “For centuries, people have called out to the universe looking for answers—in Disney and Pixar’s all-new feature film “Elio,” the universe calls back! The cosmic misadventure introduces Elio, a space fanatic with an active imagination and a huge alien obsession. So, when he’s beamed up to the Communiverse, an interplanetary organization with representatives from galaxies far and wide, Elio’s all in for the epic undertaking. Mistakenly identified as Earth’s leader, Elio must form new bonds with eccentric alien lifeforms, navigate a crisis of intergalactic proportions, and somehow discover who and where he is truly meant to be.”
Elio was initially announced at the D23 Expo and was originally going to be helmed by Adrian Molina. However, the film later changed hands with Domee Shi and Madeline Sharafian taking over as directors. Pete Docter, the chief creative officer of Pixar, discussed the film during his interview with TheWrap, highlighting the main character's evolution.
Docter shared, “The character of Elio. And I can’t really even talk about it without giving away plot points, but I think they’ve made some major discoveries on him that really helped the audience to connect and to move forward with the character into the second act, which is, course, where all the meat happens.”
Also read: Cast of Elio
FAQs on Elio
A. Yonas Kibreab voices Elio in the upcoming film.
A. America Ferrera stepped down from Elio due to schedule conflicts.
A. Yes, Zoe Saldaña voices Elio’s aunt in the film.
