When new Pixar movies arrive, audiences usually expect the studio’s signature mix of heart, humor, and themes that resonate with viewers of all ages. But the creative process behind those polished final films can sometimes be far more complicated than it appears on screen. That seems to be the case with Elio, the studio’s sci-fi adventure released last year, which reportedly went through several story revisions during development. According to reports, those changes included removing an LGBTQ+ storyline. Now, we have a brutally honest explanation for that decision, according to Pete Docter.
Docter, the chief creative officer of Pixar, addressed the reasoning behind some of the creative decisions made during Elio’s production. Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, he explained that the studio was mindful of how certain themes might land with families and younger viewers. As he put it:
