Pixar’s Animated Future Shifted: “Elio” Delay and “Ella McCay” Reschedules
Disney has announced a series of strategic shifts in its upcoming film slate, impacting both Pixar’s highly anticipated “Elio” and upcoming live-action projects.
Delayed Release for Pixar’s “Elio”
Pixar’s “Elio,” a heartwarming story about a lonely boy who accidentally becomes the Earth’s ambassador to the cosmos, has been pushed back by a week. Originally slated for a June 13 release, the film will now premiere on June 20th. This change marks a departure from the studio’s usual approach to releasing films around Father’s Day. The shift allows “Elio” to avoid direct competition with DreamWorks Animation’s “How to Train Your Dragon” and instead face off against the thriller “28 Years Later.”
This strategic maneuver provides “Elio” with a clearer path to audiences and provides additional promotional time for Disney’s upcoming live-action remake of “Lilo & Stitch,” which is set to hit theaters on May 23rd.
The film schedule moves will also ensure “Elio” stands out as the sole animated release throughout a significant period, holding the spotlight between “Looney Tunes” (March 14th) and "Smurfs" (July 18th).
Live-Action Projects Get New Release Dates
Disney has also made adjustments to its live-action release calendar.
James L. Brooks’ upcoming dramedy “Ella McCay,” starring Woody Harrelson and Rebecca Hall, will now premiere on September 19th, 2025. This puts the film’s release shortly after the Toronto International Film Festival, maximizing its exposure to industry professionals and potential awards attention.
Sam Raimi’s horror film “Send Help,” featuring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien, has been set for release on January 30th, 2026. The film, which follows the survival story of a skilled employee and her demanding boss after a plane crash, promises a chilling tale of resilience in the face of adversity.