Trending Now - Pixar's Pete Docter Discusses 'elio' and LGBTQ Storyline Changes

WHO:

Pete Docter, chief creative officer at Pixar

Adrian Molina, original director of "Elio"

Madeline Sharafian and Domee Shi, involved in making changes to "Elio"

Pixar, a Disney-owned studio

WHAT:

The film "Elio" was overhauled, leading to the removal of its LGBTQ storyline.

"Elio" was released in June 2025 and earned $150 million worldwide.

The production cost of "Elio" was $150 million, excluding global marketing costs.

Docter stated, “We’re making a movie, not hundreds of millions of dollars of therapy.”

The film tested poorly in early screenings, with audiences indicating they would not pay to see it.

WHERE:

Pixar studio, location not specified

WHEN:

"Elio" was released in June 2025.

The overhaul of "Elio" occurred after early screenings, specific date not provided.

WHY:

Docter indicated that Pixar did not want to expose young audiences to themes they were not ready to see or discuss with their parents.

The decision to cut the LGBTQ storyline was influenced by the film's poor test screenings.

HOW:

The overhaul of "Elio" involved significant changes to the animation, despite a large portion being complete.

The original director, Adrian Molina, exited the project as a result of the changes.

(UPDATED March 8, 2026 07:11 UTC)

In a significant overhaul, Pixar has removed the LGBTQ storyline from its film "Elio," which was released in June 2025 and earned $150 million worldwide. Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter explained that the decision came after poor test screenings indicated audiences were not ready for certain themes, leading to substantial changes in the animation and the departure of original director Adrian Molina. Docter emphasized that the studio's focus is on creating a movie rather than addressing complex issues that young viewers might not be prepared to discuss with their parents.