Why ‘Elio’ Flopped: A Deep Dive into Pixar’s Lowest Box Office Opening Ever

Pixar is known for its iconic animated films, but their latest release, Elio, is struggling. It’s projected to make about $22 million on opening weekend, the lowest for any Pixar movie ever. For comparison, the original Toy Story opened in 1995 with $29.1 million, but that includes early ticket sales from a Wednesday release. When adjusted for today’s prices, Toy Story’s three-day gross would be closer to $60.9 million.

The last low was Elemental, which opened with $29.6 million in 2023. However, it ended up doing well, grossing over $154 million. If Elio follows suit, it could still cross the $100 million mark. Despite this, it faces a tough climb to recoup its production costs rumored to be around $150 million. There’s a sense that Disney anticipated this underperformance, as the marketing for Elio has been minimal.

The journey to produce Elio hasn’t been smooth. The original director, Adrian Molina, was replaced earlier this year by Madeline Sharafian and Domee Shi, both well-regarded in animation circles. Pete Docter, Pixar’s chief creative officer, hinted that the new directors made important changes that helped shape the film’s direction. All three directors are credited, though Molina’s role is less prominent in the credits.

This situation raises questions about Pixar’s storytelling approach. Once known for films that resonated with both kids and adults, there’s a growing concern that these narratives are losing their edge. Many recent films have focused heavily on child protagonists, which can sometimes miss the mark for adult audiences. This shift has sparked debates on social media, with users expressing nostalgia for Pixar’s earlier magic.

One recent Twitter trend highlighted how audiences crave the balance of humor and emotional depth found in classics like Finding Nemo and The Incredibles. Modern Pixar trailers, such as those for Elio, appear chaotic and overly ambitious, lacking the relatable themes that used to define the studio’s charm.

In the end, it’s clear that audiences want more than just flashy visuals; they crave engaging stories that reflect their lives. Pixar has the talent, but it seems they need to recapture the balance that made their earlier films so beloved.

For more insights on the animation industry, check out this report from The Hollywood Reporter.

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Adrian Molina,Domee Shi,Elio,Madeline Sharafian,Pete Docter,Pixar