Pixar has faced a significant setback with its latest release, Elio, marking the studio’s worst box office opening ever. The alien-themed animation, which debuted on 2025-06-23 05:41:00, garnered only an estimated $21 million in North America and $14 million internationally, despite receiving generally positive reviews.
- Pixar's worst box office opening ever
- Elio competes with Disney's successful remakes
- Original animations struggle against franchises
- Positive reviews but mixed critical reception
- Disney optimistic about Elio's long-term success
- Pixar's highest opening was Incredibles 2
The film, centered around an orphaned boy dreaming of friendly alien abduction, struggled against fierce competition from Disney’s live-action How To Train Your Dragon, which earned $37 million in its second weekend, and Danny Boyle’s 28 Years Later, which raked in $30 million in North America. This trend raises questions: Are original animations losing their charm in a franchise-dominated market?
This disappointing performance highlights a critical issue for Pixar and the animation industry as a whole. With original stories struggling to compete, is it time for studios to rethink their strategies?
- Elio’s $21 million opening is the lowest in Pixar’s history.
- Disney remains optimistic about Elio’s long-term success, citing positive audience exit scores.
- Original animations are increasingly overshadowed by established franchises.
- Pixar’s previous original film, Inside Out 2, grossed $155 million in its opening weekend.
As the industry evolves, audiences may wonder: will studios adapt to keep original storytelling alive? It’s crucial for filmmakers to innovate and capture the hearts of viewers worldwide.
