Pixar’s Elio Trailer: A Boy’s Alien Abduction Adventure Begins

The first full trailer for Pixar and Disney’s Elio has landed, unveiling a tale where a boy named Elio gets whisked away by aliens. Far from frightened, he’s thrilled—meeting extraterrestrials has always been his dream.

Eleven-year-old Elio is a firm believer in alien life, secretly hoping they’ll sweep him off for a galactic escapade. One day, that wish comes true. Snatched by otherworldly beings, he’s whisked to the Alliance of Highly Advanced Universal Species. There’s just one hitch—they mistake him for Earth’s official envoy.

On this cosmic ride, Elio befriends Gordon, the young son of a formidable alien dignitary. The two hit it off fast, soon uncovering a looming threat to countless worlds. Together, they race to avert disaster, with a key assist from Elio’s Aunt Olga. She’s over the moon that her solitary nephew has finally found a pal—even if he’s from another planet.

The film is helmed by directors Domee Shi (Turning Red) and Madeline Sharafian (the animated short Burrow). Originally, Adrian Molina (Coco) was at the helm, but he stepped aside mid-production—though he’s still credited as co-director and has since moved to another Pixar project.

Elio was slated for March 2024, but Hollywood strikes and story tweaks pushed it back. Pixar’s creative chief, Pete Docter, admitted the tale lacked emotional depth early on. The prolonged process also saw America Ferrera (Barbie), initially cast as Olga, exit the project. Zoe Saldana (Guardians of the Galaxy) stepped in to voice the aunt instead.

Elio hits theaters worldwide on June 20.