Pete Docter Explains Pixar’s Removal of LGBTQ Plot in ‘Elio’
Pete Docter, the chief creative officer at Pixar, recently discussed the studio’s decision to remove an LGBTQ storyline from the upcoming film “Elio.” Scheduled for release in June 2025, “Elio” has undergone a significant overhaul following poor responses in early screenings.
Pixar’s Rationale for Changes in “Elio”
Docter explained that Pixar aimed to create content appropriate for its young audience. He emphasized the importance of not exposing children to themes they might not be ready to discuss with their parents. In his words, “We’re making a movie, not hundreds of millions of dollars of therapy.”
Film Synopsis and Initial Production
“Elio” tells the story of a lonely boy who seeks connection among the stars after feeling like an outsider. Despite its intriguing premise, the film struggled in test screenings, with many viewers expressing reluctance to watch it in theaters.
Complete Overhaul of “Elio”
In response to the negative feedback, Docter initiated a comprehensive revision of “Elio,” despite a significant portion of the animation already being completed. This overhaul resulted in the departure of original director Adrian Molina. Directors Madeline Sharafian and Domee Shi were brought on board to implement substantial changes.
- Removal of the LGBTQ elements, including scenes that indicated the character Elio might be gay.
- Elio’s original design featured a pink bike, representing a more colorful character portrayal.
- Scenes depicting Elio imagining a relationship with his male crush were also taken out.
Internal Backlash and Wider Context
The decision to alter the film created tension among Pixar staff. This discontent was further intensified by Disney’s choice to eliminate a transgender character from its animated series “Win or Lose.”
Box Office Expectations
“Elio” is projected to debut in June 2025. The film’s budget is reported to be $150 million. While expectations may lean towards a substantial box office return, the production costs—excluding marketing—raise concerns about its financial viability.
Through these developments, Pixar continues to navigate the complexities of storytelling while balancing audience expectations and creative expression.
