Pixar's Elio Set For Worst-Ever Domestic Debut With $9 Million At Box Office

Last Updated:June 22, 2025, 10:33 IST

Elio, Disney's animated film, is set for Pixar's lowest opening ever, earning $9 million from 3,750 locations, trailing Elemental's $29 million.

A still from the film.

Pixar’s latest original, Elio, is on track to post the lowest opening weekend in the studio’s history. According to Variety, the space-themed family adventure pulled in just $9 million from Friday and preview screenings across 3,750 locations. That’s far below the $29 million debut of Elemental last year.

At a $150 million production budget, Elio is now expected to finish its first weekend in third place domestically, with a modest $20–22 million range, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

In contrast, Universal’s How to Train Your Dragon live-action adaptation continues to dominate, looking at another strong weekend with roughly $35.7 million in its second run. Meanwhile, Danny Boyle’s 28 Years Later topped Friday’s box office charts with $14 million — including $5.8 million from Thursday previews — and is now projected to launch in the $30–31 million ballpark.

Directed by Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, and Adrian Molina, Elio follows an 11-year-old boy who suddenly finds himself traveling through space and befriending aliens. As he explores strange planets, meets unusual lifeforms, and faces a cosmic crisis, Elio must discover what it truly means to belong and who he is meant to become. The voice cast includes Yonas Kibreab (Elio), Zoe Saldana, Remy Edgerly (as Glordon), Brandon Moon, Brad Garrett, and Jameela Jamil. Despite an “A" grade from CinemaScore and solid critical reviews, Disney insiders have trimmed expectations to a $20–25 million opening.

Here’s the trailer:

Last year’s Elemental surprised critics and audiences alike, grossing some $500 million worldwide. Disney and Pixar are now banking on Elio to turn the tide this summer.

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