Elio debuts with lowest box office for Pixar

Pixar's newest release, Elio, struggles at the box office amid competition.

Elio Marks Lowest Debut for Pixar in 28 Years

Despite launching two new films, Universal’s How to Train Your Dragon remake remained the top film in North America. Pixar’s Elio debuted with a disappointing $21 million, marking its worst opening in modern history. This animated feature, which cost $150 million to produce, has garnered just $35 million globally after its initial weekend. Meanwhile, Sony's 28 Years Later opened in second place with $30 million, benefiting from expectations aligned with its horror franchise roots. This opening puts additional pressure on Elio, which received high marks from audiences but must overcome a challenging market and previous failings of original animated films from Pixar.

The opening for Elio highlights serious concerns for Pixar as it has failed to connect with audiences in the post-pandemic era. Previous Pixar films that debuted with lackluster numbers have managed to regain momentum later. However, the track record suggests an uphill battle for original content that now faces a crowded and competitive market. As families have been conditioned to expect animated movies directly at home, traditional box office success for Pixar is at risk. The studio must rethink its strategy if it hopes to return to its former standards.

Highlights

The upcoming summer season holds the potential for renewed box office success or continued struggles for the industry.