Pixar's "Elio" struggled at the box office, emblematic of challenges faced by original films
From CNBC: 2025-06-26 09:48:00
Disney’s Pixar had its worst opening with “Elio,” raking in just $21 million in ticket sales. Original Pixar films have struggled compared to franchise films. Sequels have outperformed original stories, a trend seen across animation studios. Studios are focusing on familiar content due to post-pandemic audience habits.
Disney’s animation arm, especially Pixar, faced challenges post-pandemic. Competition from other studios and streaming services led to fewer theatergoers. With parents being pickier about what movies to see in theaters, Disney’s original films suffered. “Elio” faced stiff competition upon release.
Hollywood is relying more on existing stories with built-in fan bases. Sequels have become the norm, with only a few original titles making it to the top of the box office. Animation sequels are a safe bet for studios facing uncertainties in the industry. Original films like “Elio” may find success in the long run.
Original films like “Elio” could see success later on through streaming platforms and merchandise. “Encanto” is an example of a film that found success in the home market despite limited theatrical run. Belated fandom can lead to future installments or tie-ins. Studios are adapting to changing audience habits post-pandemic. 1. The stock market reached record highs today, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average closing at 35,000 points for the first time in history. This milestone comes as investors remain optimistic about the economic recovery and corporate earnings.
2. In other news, the latest job report shows that the unemployment rate has dropped to 5.4%, the lowest level since the start of the pandemic. The economy added 943,000 jobs in July, exceeding analysts’ expectations and pointing to a strong labor market recovery.
3. The CDC has updated its guidelines on mask-wearing, recommending that even vaccinated individuals wear masks indoors in areas with high COVID-19 transmission rates. This shift in guidance is a response to the Delta variant’s rapid spread and aims to curb the surge in cases across the country.
Read more at CNBC: Pixar’s ‘Elio’ is emblematic of a bigger headwind for Hollywood