Pixar Reportedly Cut Queer Representation From Elio

by

In the final days of Pride Month, ex-Pixar creators alleged that the studio deleted queer undertones from their new film, titled Elio, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Multiple sources expressed disappointment over edits they believed negatively impacted the original vision of openly gay director Adrian Molina, whose animated story revolves around an 11-year-old boy who is kidnapped after being mistaken for Earth’s intergalactic ambassador. Critic Alison Willmore from Vulture described the movie as struggling to break free from its own limitations, given that it’s about a character learning he’s not alone in the universe. The film has set a record for the poorest box-office opening in Pixar history since its June 20 release. Some speculate whether America Ferrera’s departure from the project played a role in these developments.

What was cut from Elio?

The leadership provided suggestions to enhance the main character’s perceived masculinity, as reported by THR. Certain scenes were cut, such as one labeled Elio’s “trash-ion show,” where he displayed a pink tank top made from beach litter to a hermit crab. Additionally, images in Elio’s bedroom that suggested same-sex attraction were taken out. A former Pixar artist shared that throughout the film’s production, these scenes hinting at Elio’s queer sexuality were frequently toned down. It seems that Pixar finds it simpler to visualize an eyeless alien than a young character with queer identity.

What happened with the original director, Adrian Molina?

The director departed the project following presentations of the movie to Pixar’s upper management. Concurrently, an early trial screening in Arizona produced mixed reviews — spectators found the film entertaining, but collectively stated they wouldn’t visit cinemas for it. It appears that the feedback from Pixar executives was less than favorable as well. According to THR‘s sources, there were whispers that Molina felt hurt by the comments made by Pixar chief Pete Docter, although the specific details of their conversation remain unspecified.

Eventually, in August 2024, Pixar declared that Domee Shi from Turning Red and Madeline Sharafian from Burrow would now lead the project due to a scheduling issue with Molina. Subsequently, several creatives who had been involved in the film departed following the co-directors’ initial edit, as stated by Sarah Ligatich, a former Pixar assistant editor who provided input during the Elio production process through the company’s internal LGBTQ group. Ligatich described this mass departure as a clear sign of how discontented many people were with the changes and the perceived damage to the original work.

Why did America Ferrera leave Elio?

She expressed disappointment that there was no longer Latinx presence in the leadership following Molina’s departure, as reported by THR. Neither Ferrera nor Molina have provided any public statement on the matter. However, it is known that Ferrera initially was slated to portray Elio’s mother, Olga, and even appeared at Disney’s D23 fan event in 2022 to discuss her role. Another possible explanation for her departure could be that she was repeatedly asked to re-record dialogue as the script evolved during rewrites under the new team. In the finished film, Olga is now Elio’s aunt and is instead voiced by Zoe Saldaña, an actress recognized for generating conversation-worthy movies.

What’s going on with diversity at Pixar?

2024 saw me facing criticism when I shared during a conversation with Bloomberg that our future projects at Pixar would focus on themes with universal appeal and shared experiences, rather than being solely driven by a director’s personal catharsis. This statement was interpreted by many as a shift in our commitment to diversity-focused stories. Recently, our “Win or Lose” series had to abandon a storyline revolving around transgender characters.

Previously, Disney faced criticism for its handling of Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill in 2022. After receiving backlash, then-CEO Bob Chapek apologized to employees and pledged his support, stating he was an ally, while also announcing a pause in political donations in Florida. Given the current political climate under former President Trump, it seems Disney’s stance may have shifted. However, not everyone holds Disney responsible for recent events concerning Pixar’s “Elio”. A former Pixar artist interviewed by THR described much of what happened as “obeying-in-advance behavior” from higher-ups at Pixar, suggesting that the directive originated internally.

Read More

2025-07-02 20:54