Pixar’s upcoming animated film, Elio, is shaping up to be one of the studio’s most unique projects in years. Initially announced at the 2022 D23 Expo, the movie has undergone notable changes, including a revised storyline, new directors, and a shift in tone. After several delays, Elio is set to hit theaters on 13 June 2025, and a recently released teaser trailer offers a fresh glimpse at the intergalactic adventure.
The story centers on Elio, a young boy voiced by Yonas Kibreab (Sweet Tooth), who dreams of life among the stars. His wish comes true when he is abducted by aliens and mistakenly identified as Earth’s ambassador. Thrust into an otherworldly world of colourful creatures and zany ambassadors, Elio must navigate an epic journey that could save the planet. Joining Kibreab in the voice cast are Zoe Saldaña (Avatar: The Way of Water) as his aunt Olga Solis, Brad Garrett (Everybody Loves Raymond) as Lord Grigon, Jameela Jamil (The Good Place) as Ambassador Questa, and Shirley Henderson (the Harry Potter movies) as the hilariously named OOOOO.
The latest trailer sets a nostalgic tone, blending elements of whimsical space adventures with heartfelt moments on Earth. Set to The Postal Service’s Such Great Heights, the trailer contrasts Elio’s starry-eyed daydreams with the startling reality of being whisked away by extraterrestrial life. The visuals strike a balance between Pixar’s signature colorful alien landscapes and a grounded 1980s-inspired vibe that evokes classics like E.T., The Last Starfighter, and Explorers.
Elio has seen its fair share of changes since its initial announcement. Originally directed by Adrian Molina (Coco), the film now has three directors: Domee Shi (Turning Red), Madeline Sharafian (Burrow), and Molina, who retains a co-director credit. Creative and story adjustments were made, including a deeper reassessment of Elio’s character. Pixar’s Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter explained, “They’ve made some major discoveries on him that really helped the audience to connect.” Casting changes have also reshaped the film. Zoe Saldaña replaced America Ferrera, who was originally cast as Elio’s mother but had to exit due to scheduling conflicts.
Originally slated for a March 2024 release, Elio was delayed to June 2025 to allow for additional development. Pixar has a history of using delays to refine its films, and fans are hopeful that the extra time will elevate Elio into a standout feature. With Pixar’s recent success in revisiting beloved franchises like Inside Out 2, there’s anticipation that Elio will offer a fresh voice in its slate of sequels (Toy Story 5, Incredibles 3).
While Elio retains the wacky, colourful aliens teased in its earlier trailers, the new footage emphasizes the heartfelt story of a young boy thrust into the unknown. The mix of high-stakes adventure and nostalgic charm could make Elio a new Pixar classic, offering a fresh take on the wonder of childhood adventures among the stars.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, and anime — you name it. When she’s not reading or being a dedicated cinephile, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of Sylus from Love and Deepspace.
