Elio Pixar Movie Launches in Theaters June 20, 2025
Pixar’s latest animated feature, Elio, opens in theaters this Friday, June 20. And it’s more than just a space adventure—it’s a heartfelt journey. The film dives into identity, emotion, and the meaning of belonging. At the center is Elio himself—a curious 11-year-old mistakenly named Earth’s ambassador to a vibrant alien society called the Communiverse.
Emotional Drive Meets Imaginative Worldbuilding
As Elio rockets into theaters, it delivers Pixar’s signature blend of humor and heart. Co-director Domee Shi (Turning Red) shared that the film began with one idea: a boy running from loneliness. Elio dreams of being abducted—not to escape—but because he longs to find his place in the universe.
Producer Mary Alice Drumm described Elio as a twist on traditional space narratives. Instead of a cold, dangerous galaxy, the Communiverse feels warm, colorful, and welcoming. Jessup, the film’s production designer, known for Ratatouille and Coco, drew inspiration from sea creatures and microorganisms.
Glordon, for example, was based on a tardigrade. Despite not having eyes or eyebrows, the character communicates emotion. That’s a testament to Pixar’s animators, who always find ways to express humanity, even in the most alien designs.
A Stellar Cast Powers the Story
Yonas Kibreab leads the film as Elio, with Zoe Saldaña voicing his Aunt Olga. The cast also includes Remy Edgerly as Glordon. Saldaña called working with Pixar a dream come true, and admitted her kids were thrilled she joined the project.
Kibreab brings heart and relatability to the character. He wants audiences to feel entertained and leave the theater with a deeper appreciation for friends, family, and self-acceptance. As he puts it, “At the end of the day, it’s all going to be okay.”
Continuing Pixar’s Legacy of Heartfelt Storytelling
Director Madeline Sharafian emphasized the film’s focus on emotional catharsis—something Pixar fans have come to expect. From the heartfelt beats of Up to the quiet wonder of Wall-E, Elio continues this tradition while carving out something refreshingly original.
With animation that shines on the big screen and themes that resonate with audiences, Elio is poised to connect across generations. It’s a story about finding your voice—even if it takes traveling across the stars to hear it.
Behind the Scenes and Voice Cast
Directed by Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, and Adrian Molina (Coco), and produced by Mary Alice Drumm, Elio features a stellar voice cast that includes Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett, Jameela Jamil, Shirley Henderson, and Remy Edgerly.
Anticipating the Emotional Launch
With its splashy visuals and heartfelt message, Elio feels like a perfect blend of Wall-E and Up. The theatrical debut promises a cosmic adventure for the whole family—and it’s one you’ll want to catch on the biggest screen possible.
