Who Said That? Pixar’s Viral Video Slams Fans Over Elio’s Box Office Struggles

Pixar has taken an unexpected approach to address the disappointing box office numbers for its latest original film, Elio (2025). In a bold Instagram video that riffs on the viral TikTok “Who said that?” trend, the studio called out fans for failing to support original movies. The post has ignited a heated debate, with some applauding Pixar’s honesty and others accusing the studio of shifting blame.

The clip features TikTok creator Reba Nora sitting in her car, turning her head dramatically to say, “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 then snaps back to the camera and exclaims, “Omg, who said that?” pretending it was someone else. The cheeky tone is a departure from Pixar’s usual marketing style, but it’s clearly tapping into weeks of online chatter accusing audiences of hypocrisy.

@pixar Go see Pixar’s newest ORIGINAL movie #Elio, in theaters NOW! ✨🗣️ @rebanora ♬ original sound – Pixar

The Irony of Original Films

Fans have long criticized Hollywood for prioritizing sequels and remakes over fresh stories, but when an original film like Elio comes along, it struggles to find an audience. The movie, which tells the story of a young boy’s intergalactic adventure to find his place in the universe, now holds the unfortunate record of being Pixar’s worst opening weekend performer.

Despite its weak debut, Elio has been receiving glowing reviews. It currently boasts an 83% critics’ score and a 91% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers have praised its heartfelt storytelling and stunning animation, making the film’s poor box office performance even more puzzling.

A Glimmer of Hope for Elio

Not all hope is lost for Elio. Fans and industry insiders are drawing comparisons to Pixar’s Elemental (2023), which also stumbled out of the gate but turned into a sleeper hit. Elemental eventually raked in over $500 million globally after word of mouth highlighted its charm and originality. Some believe Elio could follow a similar path, with its strong reviews potentially attracting more viewers in the coming weeks.

Another possibility is that Elio might thrive on Disney+, much like Turning Red (2022) and Soul (2020). Both films found massive success on the streaming platform, reaching wider audiences who may have skipped the theater release.

Pixar’s Changing Game Plan

The Instagram video isn’t the only sign of a shift at Pixar. Pete Docter, the studio’s Chief Creative Officer, recently outlined a new strategy for the company. Speaking at Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies Summit, Docter revealed that Pixar will alternate between original films and sequels moving forward. “We have to find out what people want before they know it,” he said, “because if we just gave them more of what they know, we’d be making Toy Story 27.”

This approach balances the studio’s desire to tell new stories with the undeniable appeal of established franchises. While sequels like Toy Story 4 (2019) and Inside Out 2 (2024) have been box office juggernauts, Pixar remains committed to its roots of creating original, heartfelt tales.

What’s Next for Elio?

The fate of Elio hangs in the balance. Will it replicate the slow-burn success of Elemental, or will it find its audience on Disney+? Either way, Pixar’s bold Instagram post has succeeded in keeping the film at the forefront of conversations.

Fans are left with a question to ponder: If we demand originality in Hollywood, are we showing up to support it when it counts? Elio might just be the wake-up call audiences need to back the stories they claim to want. For now, the film’s journey is far from over, and its intergalactic adventure might just inspire viewers to give it a second chance.

Are we willing to back films like Elio when it matters most? What are your thoughts on Pixar’s bold Instagram post and the fate of Elio? Share your opinions in the comments below!