*For centuries, people have gazed at the stars, wondering if we’re alone in the universe. In Pixar’s “Elio,” it’s the aliens who call back — and they want to talk to a kid.
“Elio,” opening in theaters June 20, 2025, follows 11-year-old Elio Solís, a lonely Earth boy who dreams of contact with extraterrestrial life. When he accidentally gets beamed up to the Communiverse—an intergalactic council of alien leaders—he’s mistaken for Earth’s leader. It’s a cosmic misadventure packed with heart, humor, and stunning visuals.
EUR sat down with the creative team—directors Domee Shi and Madeline Sharafian, and producer Mary Alice Drumm—who shared exclusive behind-the-scenes insights.
Director Domee Shi explained the origin of the film’s unique hook. “We knew the concept, what if Earth’s weirdest little boy was abducted by aliens and they mistake him for the leader of Earth, that was Adrian Molina’s original genius idea,” said Shi.
Director Domee Shi explained the origin of the film’s unique hook.
“We knew the concept, what if Earth’s weirdest little boy was abducted by aliens and they mistake him for the leader of Earth, that was Adrian Molina’s original genius idea,” said Shi.
But making Elio actually want to be abducted cracked the character open. “Seeing a little kid jumping for joy and screaming yes as the tractor beam picks him up just makes you lean in. You wonder: Who would react this way? Why? From there, you get to fill out the character,” she explained.
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