Pixar’s Pete Docter says LGBTQ storyline was cut from 'Elio': 'We’re making a movie, not therapy'

Docter's comments come after reports that earlier versions of the film had hints about Elio's identity

Pete Docter has revealed that Pixar removed an LGBTQ-related storyline from its animated film Elio, saying the studio ultimately wanted to focus on crafting an engaging movie rather than addressing broader cultural conversations.

Speaking about the decision, Docter said the creative team felt the film should prioritize its narrative and entertainment value for audiences. “We’re making a movie, not hundreds of millions of dollars of therapy,” he said while discussing the changes to the project.

Elio follows an 11-year-old boy who feels like an outsider on Earth and is suddenly transported into space after being mistakenly identified as the planet’s ambassador by an alien organization. The story centers on his struggle to find belonging while navigating an intergalactic adventure.

The comments come after reports that earlier versions of the film contained stronger hints about the title character’s identity, including scenes and visual cues that suggested the character might be queer. Several of those elements were reportedly removed during the film’s development as the project underwent creative changes.

Pixar has faced similar debates about representation in recent years, with some former staff and observers expressing disappointment when identity-related themes were scaled back during production. Critics have argued that such decisions risk stripping films of their emotional core, while others say studios must balance storytelling with audience expectations.

Docter, who has directed several acclaimed Pixar films including Up, Inside Out, and Soul, has led the studio’s creative direction in recent years. His comments about Elio add to the ongoing conversation about representation in family entertainment and how studios navigate sensitive themes while trying to appeal to global audiences.