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- Pixar just had its worst opening weekend ever with ‘Elio.’ Are original movies dead? (businessinsider.com)
Pixar’s “Elio” Struggles at Box Office, Marking Studio’s Worst Opening Weekend
Pixar’s latest animated film, “Elio,” about a boy’s alien encounter, opened to a disappointing $21 million domestically, making it the studio’s lowest opening weekend ever. With an additional $14 million internationally, the film’s global total reached just $35 million, a stark contrast to its $150 million budget. This weak performance landed “Elio” in third place, trailing behind “28 Years Later” and “How to Train Your Dragon.”
This struggle follows a recent trend of underperforming original Pixar films. Two years ago, “Elemental” also experienced a disappointing opening, prompting discussions about audience viewing habits shifting towards streaming. However, the subsequent success of “Inside Out 2,” which grossed over $1 billion globally, suggests that audiences may be more interested in sequels to established franchises.
Industry analyst Jeff Bock notes the current trend favoring sequels, predicting more numbered installments from Pixar in the future. This prediction aligns with Disney’s upcoming release schedule, which includes “Toy Story 5” and “Incredibles 3.”
Despite “Elio’s” underwhelming opening, some remain optimistic. Russell Vannorsdel, president of Fridley Theatres, points to the staying power often exhibited by Pixar films.
He cites “Elemental,” which despite its slow start, ultimately approached $500 million worldwide. Vannorsdel believes word-of-mouth and brand loyalty could propel “Elio” toward similar success.
Pixar’s next project, “Hoppers,” slated for a March release, tells the story of a girl who inhabits a robot beaver to infiltrate the animal kingdom. This departure from the sci-fi setting of recent underperformers like “Strange World” and “Lightyear” may signal a strategic shift for the studio. Bock suggests that future space-themed projects from Disney/Pixar are unlikely unless they involve a sequel to the beloved “WALL-E.”
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- Pixar just had its worst opening weekend ever with ‘Elio.’ Are original movies dead? (businessinsider.com)