“Pixar’s “Elio” Sees Box Office Boost After Weak Opening

“Elio,” Disney and Pixar’s original animation grossed $22.1 million on its second weekend at the global box office, a significant improvement from its poor debut.

Of the $22 million, $10.7 million came from the U.S. market (a -48.6% drop from the opening pop weekend) while $11.4 million was earned overseas (a -18.6% decline) although the film’s $2.7 million debut in China this weekend is largely to thank.

For comparison, “Elio” debuted with a paltry $35 million ($21 million in the U.S and $14 million in 51 overseas markets). It became one of the few animations from a major studio to open with just $1 million in five markets.

“Elio”s redemption has been fueled by solid word-of-mouth, not unlike Pixar’s own “Elemental.”

As of this writing, the animation has reached $42.2 million cume in the U.S.and $72 milliom globally.

Its chances of recouping the hefty $150 million production budget is significantly brighter than last week. Still, there remains a long road to profitability, especially with stiff competition from “How to Train Your Dragon” and “Lilo and Stitch” live action adaptations.

Theatrical releas aside, Pixar releases perform well on streaming; thus, a further redemption Disney+ is plausible.