Pixar's 'Elio' Originally Had Queer Themes That Were Cut from Final Film, Artist Alleges

Published: July 1, 2025

A former Pixar Animation Studios artist has come forward, alleging that the studio's latest film, "Elio," had queer themes that were removed from the final version of the movie.

The artist, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Hollywood Reporter that studio leaders were "constantly sanding down these moments in the film that alluded to Elio's sexuality of being queer" during the production of the initial version of the film.

One of the cut scenes included Elio creating a "trash-ion show" on a beach, featuring a pink tank top, and photos in his bedroom that hinted at a crush on a male. Sarah Ligatich, a former assistant editor for Pixar, expressed her disappointment over the changes, stating, "I was deeply saddened and aggrieved by the changes that were made."

The final version of the film follows 11-year-old Elio Solís, a boy scientist who struggles to fit in with his classmates. He discovers a way to transport himself to space and becomes friends with aliens, including his best friend Glordon.

Changes Made to the Film

The film's original director, Adrian Molina, exited the project, and Madeline Sharafian and Domee Shi took over. The changes made to the film led to the removal of queer themes, which disappointed many involved in the project.

America Ferrera, who was initially set to voice Elio's mother, exited the project due to scheduling conflicts. However, the former Pixar artist alleged that Ferrera was upset over the lack of Latinx representation in the leadership after Molina's exit.

The Final Product

"Elio" is now playing in theaters, featuring the voices of Yonas Kibreab, Remy Edgerly, Zoe Saldaña, Brad Garrett, Brandon Moon, and Jameela Jamil.

The film's synopsis reads, "The cosmic misadventure introduces Elio, a space fanatic with an active imagination and a huge alien obsession. Mistakenly identified as Earth's leader, Elio must form new bonds with eccentric alien lifeforms, navigate a crisis of intergalactic proportions, and somehow discover who and where he is truly meant to be."