Pixar’s Elio Flops: 3 Game-Changing Lessons from K-Pop Demon Hunters!

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It seems that Pixar’s latest release, Elio, didn’t make a strong start at the box office, hinting that they might need to explore fresh ideas for future projects. One potential source could be the recent sensation in music and entertainment, KPop Demon Hunters. Over the past few years, Pixar has experienced mixed results with its theatrical releases, such as the underperformance of the Toy Story spinoff Lightyear, moderate success with the original story Elemental, and a monumental achievement with the $1.6 billion-grossing sequel to Inside Out 2.

Firstly, Elio made an appearance at the complete opposite end of success, experiencing the poorest opening weekend for any Pixar movie thus far. In stark contrast, Sony Pictures Animation’s KPop Demon Hunters is flourishing on Netflix, claiming a top position in its Top 10 charts and earning accolades from both casual viewers and critics. Enthusiasm for the film has reached fever pitch, with calls for a sequel resonating not only among creators but also among fans.

Focusing on a K-pop band who find themselves battling malevolent specters alongside releasing hit after hit for their audience, this film demonstrated that unique narratives in animation continue to be viable for triumph, provided they’re executed effectively.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but notice the trend towards sequels in Disney and Pixar’s lineup lately, with classics like “Hoppers” and “Gatto” still on the horizon as original stories. However, there are several intriguing elements in the upcoming “KPop Demon Hunters” that I believe Pixar should take note of, regardless of their future direction.

3 Key Lessons That Pixar Should Learn from KPop Demon Hunters

Take the Animation Further

One significant reason people admire “KPop Demon Hunters” is its stunning visual style. In fact, some viewers might argue that the film’s humorous facial expressions are enough to carry it, and this isn’t too far from the truth.

The film doesn’t rely solely on funny faces for innovation; it also stands out through creative character designs, frequent changes in visual style, and exceptional cinematography during dynamic fight sequences, thereby carving a unique niche for itself in the realm of animation.

Contrarily, Elio appears quite ordinary. Although the film offers stunning backdrops and a delightful character who manages to enjoy themselves more than their fellow actors, it seldom explores the potential of its medium for playfulness.

Some viewers have expressed dissatisfaction over the consistent use of a “bean-shaped mouth” look in Elio’s design, a complaint that groups various media under the umbrella of being repetitive and visually similar due to a shared mouth shape found in certain animated productions. However, Pixar has effectively utilized this style before, as demonstrated by Turning Red showing that the studio can elevate the aesthetic through more expressive character designs.

Regardless if one prefers the traditional or innovative look, it’s undeniable that Pixar should aim for more experimentation when it comes to the visual style of their films. Sequels don’t necessarily need to follow a specific aesthetic; for instance, “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” served as a striking departure from its original movie by intentionally altering its appearance.

Have a Clear Vision

In accordance with TopMob’s personal review of ‘Elio’, it’s clear that Pixar’s newest film presents some commendable concepts, but unfortunately, these ideas don’t fully coalesce. This inconsistency might be a result of the movie apparently altering its direction during production, as suggested by significant discrepancies between the teaser trailer for ‘Elio’ initially released and those shown later on.

As a fan, I can’t help but notice some intriguing hints that suggest the movie initially veered off in a distinct direction. The unspoken emotional tension between Elio and his aunt, Elio’s subdued response to being taken away, and Lord Grigon’s unexpected presence on the Communiverse council all point towards an alternate narrative. It turns out that this shift was due to Adrian Molina, the original director, stepping away from the project to focus on the sequel to “Coco.

In parts, Molina’s original genetic material remains within the movie, such as his youth spent on a military base being reflected, yet the fundamental change in the plot trajectory causes “Elio” to feel discordant in both tone and narrative structure.

In a different way of saying it, the movie “KPop Demon Hunters” is crystal clear about its identity and thrives because of it. Although there’s room for more exploration of its concepts, the film doesn’t shy away from openly embracing its anime and K-drama influences. As a result, co-director Maggie Kang’s directorial style stands out, and “Demon Hunters” is deeply immersed in Korean culture. This not only results in a distinctive visual style but also establishes a universe and atmosphere that are uniquely its own.

Choosing a new director for Incredibles 3 could potentially signal a shift in Pixar’s consistent and unified vision, which has been crucial to the emotional impact of their films on me as an audience member. This change might cause some concern.

Embrace Originality

In the movie “Elio“, although it’s an original tale, its storytelling closely resembles what fans usually find in Pixar productions. The plot twists, being quite common among seasoned Pixar viewers, often result in predictable emotional scenes.

Although KPop Demon Hunters shares some similarities with a typical superhero film, it surprises viewers with unexpected plot twists that aren’t easily foreseen (such as the unveiling of Jinu’s hidden past). In contrast to Elio, where many events can be predicted in advance, Demon Hunters pushes the boundaries and keeps audiences guessing on both a visual and storytelling level.

Once more, Pixar isn’t shy about making bold narrative decisions when they see fit! The movie “Turning Red” tackled an overused subject like puberty, but offered a unique perspective by examining it through the lens of a Chinese-Canadian experience. However, it’s worth noting that the Disney Channel later partially toned down this storyline.

Though Pixar might lean more towards making sequels, it doesn’t necessarily mean this is a negative trend. However, what truly matters is that the creators come up with an innovative perspective, one that convincingly answers why this particular film needs to exist in the first place.

Regarding the original movies scheduled for release by Pixar, it seems that “Gatto” bears a striking resemblance to the Oscar-winning film “Ratatouille”. Let’s hope that the studio comes up with something unique and captivating, ensuring that their cat-themed adventure stands out distinctly from other similar productions.

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2025-06-26 17:04