Cinema the controversy behind the scenes of ‘Elio’, new Pixar movie

The release of the movie Eliofrom the PixarIt was accompanied by a series of controversies involving creative decisions and changes in the production team. Initially, the film would be directed by Adrian Molinaopenly gay filmmaker and known for his work in Viva – Life is a party (2017). The original proposal included a protagonist Latin and Queer-Codedbringing unprecedented representativeness to the studio animations.

During the development process, however, the project direction changed course. After test display and internal meetings, Pixar executives requested significant changes in the script and the characters. These changes resulted in the exit of Molinawho chose to leave production in the face of revisions that misrepresent his initial view. Later, MADELINE SHARAFIAN and Domee Shi took the direction of the movie.

Reduced representativeness and impact on the cast

One of the central points of the discussion was the decrease in Queer and Latin representativeness In the movie. Internal sources report that scenes and characteristics of the main character, which suggested their queer identity, were gradually removed. Elements such as the protagonist’s interest in fashion and signs of a possible male crush ceased to be part of the final version.

The exit of Molina It also impacted the cast. Ferrera America (Barbie), initially climbed to voice Elio’s mother, left the project after already recording part of his lines. According to reports, the actress was dissatisfied with the loss of Latin representativeness in the leadership of the film. The role was reformulated and later assumed by ZOE Saldaña (Emilia Pérez), who started to play the character’s aunt.

Reception of the public and repercussion in the market

The result of these changes was felt in the performance of Elio at the box office. The film recorded an opening below expectations, raising about $ 20.8 million over the weekend. The negative repercussion was also reflected between industry professionals, with reports of dissatisfaction and even dismissal after changes in the team and the script.

The situation of “Elio” rekindled debates about the challenges of promoting diversity and inclusion in major animation productions. The decision to reduce elements linked to Queer and Latin identity was attributed to commercial concerns, especially after the performance of other recent studio titles. Internally, however, part of the team attributes decisions to Pixar’s own leadership, not just the influence of Disney.

The future of representativeness in animations

The trajectory of Elio Evidences existing tensions between creativity, representativeness and market strategies in Hollywood. While some professionals advocate more authentic and inclusive stories, others prioritize the search for greater acceptance of the general public. The case of the film raises questions about how studios will balance these demands on future projects.

With the exit of Adrian MolinaPixar has announced that it will co-direct the sequence of Viva – Life is a partymaintaining its presence in the universe of animations. Already Elio It follows as a recent example of the complexities involved in the production of films that seek to innovate both content and representativeness.

Why did Adrian Molina leave Elio’s direction?

Adrian Molina He left the project after changes requested by Pixar’s leadership, which significantly altered his original view for the film.

What has changed in Elio’s main character?

Elements that suggested that Elio It was a queer and Latin character were removed, making the protagonist more generic in the final version.

What was the impact of these changes on the cast?

Ferrera America left the project due to the decrease in Latin representativeness in the lead, being replaced by ZOE Saldañawho assumed a reformulated role.

Source:THR

Also read:Elio hits when treating belonging in the midst of a pile of references

What was the best movie of 2025 so far? Vote for your favorite!

• Anora
• Conclave
• Perfect escort
• Flower
• The brutalist
• A complete unknown
• Mickey 17
• Victory
• Sinners
• Thunderbolts*
• Man with h
• Karate Kid: Legends
• Premonition 6: Blood Ties
• Lilo & Stitch
• Mission: Impossible – The Final Set
• How to train your dragon
• Extermination: Evolution
• Elio
• M3gan 2.0
• F1: The Movie

Backstage of “Elio”: Understand the creative changes, Adrian Molina’s departure and the impact on Queer and Latin representativeness on Pixar’s new movie.

Elio, Pixar, Adrian Molina, Queer representativeness, Latin representativeness, Ferrera America, Zoe Saldaña, diversity, animation, backstage