Elio – The 2024 Disney Pixar movie

25 September 2023

Produced by Walt Disney Pictures in collaboration with Pixar Animation Studios, “Elio” is the latest masterpiece to come from the most famous animation studios in the world. In an era in which science fiction increasingly merges with adventure and comedy, “Elio” promises to offer a perfect mix of laughter and tension.

Written and directed by the talented Adrian Molina, who makes his directorial debut, and produced by Mary Alice Drumm with executive supervision by Pete Docter, the film features the vocal participation of actors of the caliber of Yonas Kibreab, America Ferrera, Jameela Jamil and Brad Garrett.

The plot tells the story of Elio Solis, an eleven-year-old boy, played by Kibreab, who unexpectedly becomes the intergalactic ambassador of planet Earth. This incredible adventure begins when, following an accidental encounter with extraterrestrials, Elio is transported to the Communiverse, an interstellar meeting point. Here, the young Elio finds himself having to interact with bizarre alien life forms and face a series of challenges and tests that will test his courage.

The official announcement of the film was made during the D23 Expo in September 2022. During the event, the key roles of Molina and Drumm as director and producer were confirmed. Additionally, the vocal presences of Kibreab and Ferrera, both in the main cast, were revealed.

Lovers of animated cinema won't have to wait long: “Elio” will arrive in US cinemas on March 1, 2024. This promises to be an unmissable cinematic experience, full of emotions, adventures and unforgettable characters, typical of the Disney-style Pixar.

The story of the film Elio

For centuries, humanity has turned to the universe for answers. In the new Disney-Pixar film, “Elio,” the universe itself answers the call! The film introduces us to the world of Elio, a young outsider with a vivid imagination. His fate changes dramatically when he is unexpectedly teleported into the Communiverse, an interplanetary organization that brings together representatives of distant galaxies.

Due to a misunderstanding, Elio is identified as Earth's ambassador to the entire universe. Finding himself completely unprepared to handle such a responsible role, Elio encounters bizarre and original alien life forms. As he forms new bonds, he finds himself having to overcome a series of complex and arduous tests. All this will lead him to a fundamental discovery: understanding who he is truly destined to be.

The story becomes even more compelling with the introduction of the character of Olga, Elio's mother. While her son faces adventures in unknown galaxies, Olga is on Earth, engaged in a top secret project: decoding the mysterious messages coming from aliens. This double intertwined plot offers a unique perspective on the relationship between man and the universe, between the known and the unknown.

In his galactic journey, Elio will not only become the unexpected bridge between the Earth and the inhabitants of the stars, but will also go through a path of personal growth, learning the importance of friendship, discovery and self-acceptance.

The production of “Elio”

On September 9, 2022, during the presentation at the D23 Expo 2022, Pixar revealed its new project to the world: a film entitled “Elio”. Directing and writing the screenplay we find Adrian Molina, a name known in the world of animation for having co-directed and co-written the award-winning "Coco" of 2017. This time, however, Molina makes the big leap and tries his hand at his first directorial solo of a feature film. Next to him, producer Mary Alice Drumm. During the event, Molina and Drumm intrigued the audience with a provocative question: “What if I told you that we are not alone in the universe and that everything you have heard about aliens is true?” Following this revelation, a screen simulated a malfunction, displaying a message in alien language: “Take us to your leader.”

Also during the D23 Expo, some key entries from the film were announced. America Ferrera will lend her voice to the character of Olga Solis, while Yonas Kibreab will give life to the little protagonist, Elio. On June 13, 2023, in conjunction with the release of the teaser trailer and poster, the names of Jameela Jamil and Brad Garrett in the voice cast were also announced.

American audiences will be able to enjoy “Elio” on the big screen starting March 1, 2024, thanks to distribution by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

Soon after the project was announced on September 9, 2022, a first look at concept art for the film was released. /Film's Joshua Meyer commented on the preview, highlighting how it represents the fresh and original narrative that Pixar has built its brand on. On June 13, 2023, a teaser trailer saw the light, accompanied by the song “Good Feeling” by Austin French. Commenting on the trailer, Ethan Anderton of /Film highlighted the character of little Elio: a boy full of creativity, but not very sure of himself, who could find in contact with aliens the opportunity to open up to the world, away from the pressures social. Looper's Pauli Poisuo added that while the trailer doesn't reveal much about the plot, the film's aesthetic certainly looks charming and intriguing.