Pixar's "Elio," initially conceived as a queer-coded story by director Adrian Molina, underwent significant changes during production. Following a poorly received test screening and feedback from Pixar leadership, Molina departed, and the film was reworked by new directors. The final product, while receiving positive reviews, underperformed drastically at the box office, grossing only $20.8 million domestically, Pixar's lowest opening ever. Former employees attribute the film's struggles to the removal of key queer themes and a larger issue of Pixar potentially prioritizing relatability over diverse representation, sparking internal debate over creative decisions and studio leadership.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.