Disney-Pixar’s ‘Elio’ Underperforms at Global Box Office as ’28 Years Later’ Debuts Strong1 min read

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Disney-Pixar’s latest animated adventure Elio stumbled in its opening weekend, earning just $28 million globally against a reported $200 million budget, while Sony’s long-awaited sequel 28 Years Later surged ahead with a $52 million debut.

‘Elio’ Faces Tough Competition

Pixar’s Elio, a sci-fi coming-of-age tale about an 11-year-old boy mistakenly named Earth’s galactic ambassador, failed to ignite audiences despite the studio’s pedigree. Domestic earnings reached only $12 million, with an additional $16 million from international markets—marking one of Pixar’s lowest openings in years. Analysts attribute the underwhelming performance to:

  • Lack of pre-release buzz compared to past Pixar hits
  • Mixed reviews (67% on Rotten Tomatoes) critiquing its formulaic plot
  • Strong competition from Inside Out 3 and 28 Years Later

‘28 Years Later’ Revives the Franchise

In contrast, Danny Boyle’s return to the 28 Days Later universe proved a box-office triumph. The dystopian thriller, starring Jodie Comer and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, outperformed expectations with:

  • $32 million domestic debut
  • $20 million internationally
  • Strong audience scores (A- CinemaScore) and critical praise (89% RT)

What’s Next?

While Elio may rely on long-term family audiences and streaming to recoup costs, 28 Years Later is already sparking discussions of a follow-up. Sony has fast-tracked 29 Years Later, set for 2027.

Global Box Office Highlights (June 21-23, 2025):

  1. Inside Out 3 – $65M (Week 3)
  2. 28 Years Later – $52M (NEW)
  3. Bad Boys: Ride or Die 2 – $35M (Week 2)
  4. Elio – $28M (NEW)

Elio is now playing in theaters worldwide. Will it rebound, or join Pixar’s rare misfires?

(Source: Variety)


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