Thescreescore – Pixar’s latest offering, Elio, a vibrant sci-fi adventure, has defied initial predictions, surpassing the $100 million global box office mark. This comes weeks after a historically underwhelming debut that left many questioning the future of Pixar’s original film strategy. The film, released on June 20th, 2025, follows a young boy who unexpectedly becomes Earth’s interstellar ambassador. Despite critical acclaim and audience enthusiasm, its initial box office performance was the worst in Pixar’s history, raking in only $21 million domestically and $35 million internationally.
However, like a resilient space explorer, Elio has shown remarkable staying power. According to The Numbers, the film has now grossed over $100 million globally, with $57.6 million from domestic theaters and $42.6 million internationally. This impressive climb, however, doesn’t fully alleviate concerns. With a production and marketing budget estimated between $150 and $200 million, Elio still faces a significant uphill battle to achieve profitability.
The film’s journey mirrors that of Elemental, another Pixar release that initially underperformed but later blossomed into a box office success. Elemental eventually reached $154 million domestically and $496 million worldwide. But Elio‘s path appears different. While Elemental hit the $100 million domestic mark in its fourth weekend, Elio achieved its global milestone in the same timeframe – a crucial distinction highlighting the film’s slower growth.
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The question now is: can Elio replicate Elemental‘s remarkable turnaround? The film’s box office momentum is slowing, and with new releases constantly vying for audience attention, the chances of recouping its substantial budget seem slim. However, a potential streaming release on Disney+ could breathe new life into the film, offering a chance for redemption and reaching a wider audience captivated by its positive reviews and compelling story. The final chapter in Elio‘s box office saga remains unwritten, but its journey so far is a compelling case study in the unpredictable nature of the film industry.
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