In a surprising move, Pixar’s official social media accounts recently joined the heated conversation surrounding the release of their latest original film, Elio (2025). The studio called out fans in a cheeky yet bold video referencing the viral TikTok “Who said that?” trend, accusing moviegoers of hypocrisy. The post directly addressed a common complaint from fans: the lack of original films in Hollywood. But when Pixar delivers one? Crickets at the box office.
The video features TikTok creator Reba Nora sitting in a car, turning her head dramatically as she delivers an unfiltered thought—“Stop complaining that Disney doesn’t make original stories if you don’t show up to movie theaters and support them in the first place” She quickly looks back at the camera and says, “Omg, who said that?” feigning innocence, followed by an invitation to go support Elio in theaters. It’s the kind of bold marketing move that Pixar doesn’t usually make, but the sentiment resonates with a growing online conversation.
Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword
For weeks, fans have taken to social media platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram to lament the irony of audiences demanding original stories but letting Elio flop during its opening weekend. The movie, an intergalactic adventure about a boy discovering humanity’s place in the universe, now holds the unfortunate title of Pixar’s worst opening weekend in the studio’s history.
Critics and fans alike, however, have praised the film. Elio currently holds an impressive 83% critics’ score and 91% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, with many calling it “a return to form” for the animation giant. Positive reviews highlight the film’s heartfelt story and stunning visuals, leading some to speculate that its disappointing opening could still turn around, much like Elemental (2023).
Can Elio Pull an Elemental?
Elemental had a similarly rough start but eventually became a sleeper hit, thanks to glowing word-of-mouth recommendations. After its underwhelming box office debut, the movie climbed to over $500 million worldwide, cementing its place as a beloved part of Pixar’s catalog. Some fans are hoping Elio can replicate this move.
Others point to another possibility: Elio might gain its footing only after debuting on Disney+. Films like Turning Red (2022) and Soul (2020) found massive success on streaming platforms, reaching audiences who might not have flocked to theaters.
A Strategic Shift
Pixar’s Chief Creative Officer, Pete Docter, has been open about the studio’s evolving strategy. During a talk at Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies Summit, he mentioned their new approach: alternating original films with sequels. “We have to find out what people want before they know it, because if we just gave them more of what they know, we’d be making Toy Story 27,” Docter said.
While sequels like Toy Story 4 (2019) and Inside Out 2 (2024) have been box office hits, Pixar remains committed to telling new stories. Elio is proof of that commitment, offering audiences a deeply personal tale about a boy’s journey to find his place in a vast universe.
What’s Next for Elio?
Whether Elio becomes the next Elemental or finds success later on Disney+, one thing is clear: the film is already sparking important conversations about how audiences engage with original movies. Pixar’s Instagram callout might rub some the wrong way, but it’s hard to argue with the sentiment. Fans constantly demand originality, but when studios like Pixar deliver, it’s up to viewers to show their support.
So, will Elio get its second chance? Time—and perhaps Disney+—will tell. For now, Pixar’s bold social media moment has certainly kept the movie in the spotlight.
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