Pixar's "Elio" Faces Historic Box Office Flop Amidst Production Challenges

Elio," Pixar's latest animated feature, is reportedly on track to achieve the studio's worst domestic opening weekend in its history, with projections around $20 million against an estimated budget of $150 million, and even a reported $300 million. The film's journey to the big screen has been fraught with difficulties, including a significant delay from its original 2024 release date. Sources indicate that Disney was dissatisfied with the initial story, leading to a year-long delay and a change in directors, with the director of "Turning Red" brought in to rework the entire script. This overhaul resulted in drastic changes to key characters from their initial teaser appearances to their final film versions. Despite these production hurdles, the film's reviewer, Stone | Medical Movie Man, asserts that "Elio" is a "really good film." He praises its ability to blend an imaginative animated world with a relatable human story. The narrative centers on Elio, a boy coping with the loss of his parents and a fear of being alone, who seeks companionship beyond Earth. The reviewer notes that the film delivers emotional beats that resonate deeply, offering valuable lessons about life and family.