Challenges Ahead for Disney’s Upcoming Animated Feature to Match Moana 2 & Inside Out 2’s Box Office Performance

Moana 2 and Inside Out 2 have set a remarkable precedent for Disney in 2024, making it a standout year for the studio’s animated offerings. Starting with the incredible achievements of Inside Out 2, which shattered numerous box office records following its June release, it has now become the highest-grossing animated film in history. Surpassing 2019’s The Lion King, this film amassed a staggering global total nearing $1.7 billion, contributing significantly to Disney’s stellar performance this year.

While Moana 2 has not quite matched the monumental success of its predecessor, it has exceeded initial expectations by earning nearly $1 billion worldwide. Projections suggest that it will soon cross this impressive threshold before its theatrical run concludes. Together, Moana 2 and Inside Out 2 firmly establish 2024 as a triumphant year for Disney. However, the success of these films could place increased pressure on Disney’s next animated feature to replicate such high financial returns.

Introducing Disney’s Next Animated Movie: Elio

A New Kind of Story Following Two Franchise Hits

Looking ahead, Disney’s next animated feature will be Elio, an original sci-fi adventure set to debut in June 2025. This Pixar Animation Studios production revolves around a young boy named Elio, who is unexpectedly transported to a place known as the Communiverse by aliens. In this surreal scenario, Elio assumes the role of Earth’s intergalactic ambassador, navigating a galactic crisis and forming relationships with various alien beings along the way.

Pixar is known for its compelling storytelling, and Elio’s premise holds much promise. However, it is important to note that Elio experienced some production challenges. The film’s original director, Adrian Molina, exited the project, prompting the hiring of fellow Pixar veterans Domee Shi and Madeline Sharafian as his replacements. The reasons behind this change remain somewhat ambiguous, though it’s suggested that Molina’s emotional approach to the narrative was a contributing factor.

Molina gained fame for his work on Coco, while Shi directed the acclaimed Turning Red and the short film Bao. Meanwhile, Sharafian has contributed as a story artist to both Coco and Turning Red, in addition to directing the short Burrow.

According to Pixar’s chief, Pete Docter, the new directors have helped refine the script to better resonate with broader audiences. This shift is particularly evident in the two trailers released for Elio—the first under Molina’s vision in June 2023, and the second, aligning with Shi and Sharafian’s direction in November 2024. The evolution in Elio’s character, demeanor, and reactions to his alien abduction is striking, showcasing a fresh narrative approach.

Expectations for Elio’s Box Office Performance

Challenges Ahead in Replicating Previous Successes

Despite Elio’s noteworthy production changes, the film faces the challenging task of achieving box office success akin to that of Moana 2 and Inside Out 2. As previously mentioned, the box office triumph of these films is largely attributable to the established popularity of their franchises. The original films, Inside Out and Moana, commanded substantial viewer affection, allowing Disney to capitalize on their established brand recognition. In contrast, Elio is an original concept, lacking the same level of audience familiarity, making it unrealistic to anticipate similar earnings.

The last Pixar original that saw a wide theatrical release was Elemental, which garnered around $496 million globally against a budget of $200 million. Although Elio’s budget may be less significant, Elemental’s performance serves as a reminder that original Pixar projects do not typically reach the billion-dollar mark. This reality underscores the challenges ahead for Elio, especially given the high expectations set by its predecessor films, leading to a more tempered anticipation for 2025.

Potential for Future Success in 2025

Zootopia 2’s Promising Prospects

Nick looking smug and Judy smiling eagerly in Zootopia

Even if Elio does not match the impressive successes of Moana 2 or Inside Out 2, Disney has another animated film slated for release in November 2025, which could turn the year into another success story: Zootopia 2. Since the premiere of the original Zootopia in 2016, anticipation for its sequel has been immense, often overshadowed by discussions surrounding other Disney animated features like Moana and Tangled.

The original Zootopia achieved remarkable success with a box office gross surpassing $1 billion, making it one of Disney’s most lucrative animated films. Given its status as a sleeper hit, the sequel is expected to resonate well with audiences, potentially even outperforming its predecessor. Consequently, regardless of how Elio performs, Zootopia 2 has the potential to cap off 2025 on a high note for Disney. While Moana 2 and Inside Out 2 may set a high bar, there remains hope for continued success in Disney’s animation endeavors.

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