When is Elio Coming to Disney Plus?
Pixar's space adventure Elio has fans eager for its Disney Plus debut—let’s dive into this cosmic journey with a fresh perspective!
What You Need to Know...
Elio isn’t on Disney Plus yet, released June 20, 2025, with a projected 90-120 day theatrical window.
Directed by Adrian Molina, it follows a boy mistaken for Earth's ambassador by aliens.
Controversy over cut LGBTQ+ and DEI elements stirred debates, with some parents boycotting Disney over those issues, putting Disney in a tough spot.
Box office flop: $20.8 million opening, $130.2 million worldwide against $250 million budget.
Disney's streaming strategy for Pixar films may have softened theater turnout—let’s unpack it together!
Is Elio Available on Disney Plus Yet?
As of 10:59 AM EDT on Saturday, July 26, 2025, Elio remains off Disney Plus, having premiered in theaters on June 20, 2025. This Pixar animated tale features 11-year-old Elio Solis, voiced by Yonas Kibreab, whisked away by aliens who think he’s Earth’s leader, with Zoe Saldana bringing warmth as Aunt Olga. Disney loves giving these stories a big-screen moment first, and it’s easy to see why fans cherish that magic.
No streaming date has surfaced yet, but a fall arrival feels within reach. Keep an eye on Disney’s updates or X trends—until then, it’s a theater treat worth sharing with loved ones!
What Is Elio About, and When Was It Released?
Elio spins a delightful tale of a space-obsessed orphan chosen to represent humanity in the Communiverse, meeting quirky aliens like Glordon and Lord Grigon. Released June 20, 2025, after a June 10 premiere, it aimed to spark joy with its blend of humor and heart—a story that feels like a shared adventure. The film’s charm lies in its imaginative spirit, inviting viewers of all ages.
The release faced delays from a March 2024 slot, hinting at some creative hurdles along the way.
Why Did Elio Spark Controversy Over LGBTQ+ Themes?
Elio’s early script wove in queer-coded and “Latinx” threads, reflecting Adrian Molina’s vision, but those were trimmed after test screenings to suit a broader audience. Some staff and fans felt the cuts dulled its spirit, calling the result “bland,” while others appreciated the focus on a simpler tale. It’s a decision that stirred heartfelt discussions about what kids’ movies can be.
The move drew mixed reactions—some cheered the inclusivity push, while some parents would likely have boycotted the movie because of those themes, adding pressure to Disney’s plate.
How Did Elio Perform at the Box Office?
Elio opened to a modest $20.8 million, marking Pixar’s weakest debut against a $250 million budget. Worldwide, it collected $130.2 million, paling next to Inside Out 2’s $1.5 billion last year. Critics noted the story felt flat after multiple changes, possibly leaving some of its potential untapped.
Did Disney's Direct-to-Disney Plus Strategy Hurt Elio’s Box Office?
Disney’s decision to stream Pixar hits like Soul and Turning Red during the pandemic may have shifted how families watch movies, with many opting to wait for Disney Plus comfort. This change could have sapped theater energy for later releases like Elio, a trend that’s easy to understand given busy schedules.
Pixar stepped back from direct-to-streaming in 2024, but the habit lingers. It’s like planting seeds too early—sometimes the bloom comes later, and Disney might be learning that lesson now!
When Will Elio Hit Disney Plus Based on Recent Patterns?
Disney Plus typically welcomes Pixar films after a 90-day theatrical window, as seen with Elemental streaming on September 13 after June 16. For Elio, released June 20, 2025, this points to mid-September, likely September 18, unless delays step in. It’s a timeline that gives fans something to look forward to.
A late box office lift or holiday buzz might nudge it to early October. Stay tuned—Disney’s next update could be the perfect cue for a family movie night, bringing this story home!
What Does This Mean for Pixar Fans?
Elio’s delay on Disney Plus keeps the theater experience alive, though its $130.2 million haul shows a rocky start. The 90-day window helps Disney maximize earnings, a thoughtful move that respects the film’s journey. The controversy adds a layer of depth—will streaming offer a chance to reconnect?
This stumble might inspire Pixar to blend creativity and inclusivity more seamlessly next time. Fans can hold onto hope, knowing Elio’s spirit will find its audience when it streams—a silver lining worth waiting for!
News compiled by Ivy Adams for Pirates & Princesses. Listen to the Pirates & Princesses Podcast on Spotify and other podcast platforms. Subscribe for more news and information on Disney, Universal, fashion, travel, entertainment and more.
Sources:
YouTube: "Elio | Final Trailer | In Theaters June 20" (2025)
Wikipedia: "Elio (film)"
IMDb: "Elio (2025)"
Rotten Tomatoes: "Elio"
Pixar: "Elio"
The Hollywood Reporter: "Elio: Inside Pixar's Box Office Flop, America Ferrara, Director Change"
Box Office Mojo: "Elio (2025)"
The Numbers: "Elio (2025)"
ScreenRant: "Elio Should Be Considered Pixar's Lowest-Grossing Movie (Even If It Isn't)"
New York Times: "With 'Elio,' Pixar Has Its Worst Box Office Opening Ever"
Los Angeles Times: "Pixar's 'Elio' reportedly stripped of queer representation"
SF Chronicle: "Pixar faces backlash after cutting LGBTQ, Latinx content from 'Elio'"
Out.com: "Queer subtext in Disney's Elio was reportedly cut by Pixar"
Reddit r/AnimationDrama: "“Elio Just Becomes About Totally Nothing” – Former Pixar Staffers Blame LGBTQ Erasure"
Bleeding Fool: "Pixar's “Elio” proves that forcing LGBTQ sexual agendas into kids’ movies doesn’t pay off"
Variety: "Why Is Disney Sending Pixar Movies Straight to Streaming?"
YouTube: "Why Are Pixar Films Underperforming At The Box Office? | What's On Disney Plus Q&A"
Reddit r/boxoffice: "Do you think Disney really has “hurt” the Pixar? By putting their films straight onto Disney+"
Inside the Magic: "Pixar Gives up on Disney+, Will Not Release More Movies"
X trends on Elio Pixar LGBTQ (general data)