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Elio (film)

Elio is a 2025 American animated science fiction adventure film produced by Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Elio is a 2025 American animated science fiction adventure film produced by Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures. The film follows 11-year-old Elio (voiced by Yonas Kibreab), who is accidentally beamed up to the Communiverse and mistaken for Earth's ambassador, forcing him to navigate an intergalactic crisis. Directed by Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, and Adrian Molina, the film was released theatrically on June 20, 2025.

Premise

Elio is a space-themed coming-of-age adventure about a lonely boy who wants contact with aliens and gets more than he expects. After being beamed up to the Communiverse, he is wrongly identified as Earth's representative.

Cast and voice cast

The film stars Yonas Kibreab as Elio and Zoe Saldaña as his aunt Olga. Other credited voice roles include Remy Edgerly as Glordon, Brad Garrett as Lord Grigon, Jameela Jamil as Ambassador Questa, and Brandon Moon as Ambassador Helix.

Production

Elio was produced by Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures. It was directed by Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, and Adrian Molina, from a story developed by the directors and Julia Cho.

Release

The film premiered in theatres on June 20, 2025. Rotten Tomatoes lists the theatrical release date as June 20, 2025, with a streaming release date of August 19, 2025.

Key facts

  • Elio is a Pixar animated feature released in 2025.
  • The story centers on an 11-year-old boy who is accidentally taken to the Communiverse and mistaken for Earth's ambassador.
  • The film features voice performances by Yonas Kibreab and Zoe Saldaña.
  • It was released theatrically by Walt Disney Pictures on June 20, 2025.
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Canadian context

The film was released in Canada through Disney/Pixar’s North American theatrical rollout, making it a mainstream release for Canadian family audiences.

Frequently asked questions

What is Elio about?
Elio is about an 11-year-old boy who is mistaken for Earth's ambassador after aliens beam him up to the Communiverse, forcing him to navigate an intergalactic crisis.
Who is in the cast of Elio?
The voice cast includes Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldaña, Remy Edgerly, Brad Garrett, Jameela Jamil, Brandon Moon, Shirley Henderson, and others.
When does Elio come out?
Elio was released in theatres on June 20, 2025.
Is Elio a Pixar movie?
Yes. Elio was produced by Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures.
What is the plot of Elio?
The plot follows a boy who wants alien contact, gets transported to the Communiverse, and is mistaken for Earth's leader while trying to solve a crisis involving hostile aliens and new friendships.
Who voices Elio?
Yonas Kibreab voices the title character, Elio.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elio_(film)
    Supports: Basic production details, release date, premise, and principal voice cast
  2. Pixar — https://www.pixar.com/elio
    Supports: Official description of the film’s premise and Pixar involvement
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/elio
    Supports: Theatrical and streaming release dates
  4. Disney/Pixar — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETVi5_cnnaE
    Supports: Official trailer information, cast, and release date
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4900148/
    Supports: Synopsis and credited voice cast