According to Forbes, “Elio” has suffered the worst opening weekend ever for a Disney-Pixar film.
‘Elio’ Opening Weekend
Although “Elio” was expected to have a low opening weekend box office, reflecting the studio’s ongoing troubles with original films, there was hope that word of mouth would improve the film’s attendance.
However, according to Forbes, the film “has set a new record low for a Disney-Pixar movie.” “Elio” opened in theaters on Friday, June 20, and is projected to earn only $21 million from 3,750 North American theaters in weekend domestic ticket sales.
These numbers are even lower than that of the previous lowest-earner, “Elemental,” which was released in 2023. “Elemental” debuted at $29.5 million domestically. Comparatively, the studio’s first film (you’ve probably heard of it), “Toy Story,” grossed $29.1 million from 2,574 theaters in its first weekend, which was 30 years ago.
“Elio” had a production budget of $150 million before prints and advertising costs, so these opening weekend numbers are a tough hit for the company. The film could be considered a box office flop, unless it manages to start garnering more attention in later weeks and reverses its fate, which was what happened to Disney’s “Mufasa” earlier this year.
There have been other Disney-Pixar films that had lower opening numbers at the box office, but these were all films which debuted on Disney+ during the COVID-19 pandemic before getting limited theatrical runs in 2024.
Even prior to the theatrical debut of “Elio,” Disney has been attempting to get attention with in-park advertisements and decor around Walt Disney World. Some of the advertisements included a photo-op and blue carpet at Disney Springs, a takeover of Merchant of Venus in Magic Kingdom, and a limited-time sneak peek of the film in “One Man’s Dream” alongside a small art exhibit. A merchandise collection featuring “Elio”-inspired apparel is now available at multiple locations around Walt Disney World, as well.
“Elio” will be followed by another original story, “Hoppers,” in March 2026. The original film will be followed by another sequel, “Toy Story 5,” that June. The studios just recently announced the title and shared the first concept art of another original film, “Gatto,” which is scheduled to arrive in 2027.
Meanwhile, both “Incredibles 3” and “Coco 2” are already announced to be in the works at Pixar, though neither has a date just yet. It looks like Pixar is hoping a balance of original films and sequels will propel them forward.
Have you watched “Elio?” Tell us what you thought in the comments and on social media.
Source: Forbes
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.