Elio: Pixar reportedly removed queer-coded elements from character during production

Elio (Image: Disney/Pixar)

Adrian Molina, the original director of Disney Pixar’s Elio, envisioned the title character with subtle queer-coded elements, according to a new report – that is, until studio leadership toned them down, making Elio more traditionally masculine.

After a test screening in 2023, audiences liked the film – which wouldn’t hit theatres until last month (20 June) – however, following feedback from Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter, Molina soon left the project.

The Hollywood Reporter‘s Ryan Gajewski writes that ‘there are differing accounts of the exact feedback that the director received from Pixar boss Pete Docter when the lights went up, with rumours circulating in some of the studio’s circles that Molina was hurt by the conversation.’

Directors Madeline Sharafian and later Domee Shi took over and reworked the film significantly. Upon release, it earned just $20.8 million

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