Yonas Kibreab stars in Pixar’s ‘Elio’.
Opening in theaters on June twentieth is ‘Elio’, which is the brand new film from Pixar Animation Studios and was directed by Madeline Sharafian (‘Inside Out 2′), Domee Shi (‘Turning Purple’), and Adrian Molina (‘Coco’).
The movie options voice work from Oscar winner Zoe Saldaña (‘Emilia Pérez’), Brad Garrett (‘Discovering Dory’), Jameela Jamil (‘She-Hulk: Legal professional at Legislation’), Shirley Henderson (‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’), Matthias Schweighöfer (‘Military of the Lifeless’), Ana de la Reguera (‘The Ceaselessly Purge’), and introducing Yonas Kibreab as Elio Solis.
Moviefone lately had the pleasure of talking in-person with Yonas Kibreab about his work on ‘Elio’, his first response to the screenplay and the animation, working with Pixar, recording alone and with different actors, his favourite scene, and what he hopes children take away from watching the film.
Yonas Kibreab in ‘Elio’. Directed by Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi and Adrian Molina, and produced by Mary Alice Drumm, Disney and Pixar’s ‘Elio’ releases in theaters June 20, 2025. © 2024 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.
Moviefone: To start with, what was your first response to studying the screenplay and why did you wish to be a part of this venture?
Yonas Kibreab: Okay, so after I first received the complete script, what tied me to this character of Elio was that he can relate to me in numerous methods. I really feel like he is such a unusual child. He would not care about what folks suppose, and he isn’t afraid to be himself. I believe that is one thing that I need to actually channel, similar to Elio. He is taught me to all the time be myself, the perfect self I may be. When studying the script, the writers at Pixar did such an incredible job describing every part, though I could not see the animation but, I might image every part in my thoughts. It turned out precisely what I imagined and extra.
MF: What was your first response to the animation and the way in which your character would look on display?
YK: I noticed storyboards of it. He did not look the identical. However he had somewhat bit longer hair. However aside from that, he regarded related. I believe after I noticed the primary animated footage was at D23 in 2023, once they first introduced the film. I believe that was the primary time I’ve seen him. It is simply so loopy to see any individual who you are enjoying, particularly in an authentic Pixar film as a result of I’ve watched Pixar films since I used to be little, and I nonetheless do at present.
(L to R) Yonas Kibreab and Shirley Henderson in ‘Elio’. Directed by Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi and Adrian Molina, and produced by Mary Alice Drumm, Disney and Pixar’s ‘Elio’ releases in theaters June 20, 2025. © 2024 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.
MF: What was your expertise like working with Pixar?
YK: It was nice. Once I received to go to the Pixar studio up in Emeryville, California, it was essentially the most magical campus I’ve ever been to. I wish to work there, and simply having the ability to be in that very same studio the place Jamie Foxx and Tom Hanks had been recording all these well-known Pixar films, was so surreal to me. Assembly all of the very proficient artists at Pixar, it was simply so nice to fulfill them.
MF: Did you’re employed with any of the opposite actors, or did you file your dialogue alone?
YK: Sure, normally I’m on my own, however I have been fortunate sufficient to file with Remy Edgerly who performs Glordon. He is such an incredible child and it has been nice as a result of normally, I labored on stuff with adults. With the ability to additionally work on a voiceover animated film the place you do not file with anyone, however to file for the primary time with a child, is so refreshing. It was so nice to work with him and I’ve received to know him off-screen as effectively. We did press stuff in Disney World, and we received to go on rides collectively. It is so cool. I really feel like we must always all the time expertise that. That is the one factor I want I might change about the way in which films are recorded, particularly animated ones. As a result of I do not know the way they did it again then, however now, normally you are recording by your self, and I really feel prefer it’s so necessary to play off the folks you are working with.
(L to R) Yonas Kibreab and Remy Edgerly in ‘Elio’. Directed by Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi and Adrian Molina, and produced by Mary Alice Drumm, Disney and Pixar’s ‘Elio’ releases in theaters June 20, 2025. © 2024 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.
MF: Is there a specific scene within the movie that you simply had been excited to see on the large display for the primary time?
YK: Sure. I believe I will must say the scene the place Elio and Glordon are crawling within the lava tunnel. Glordon’s like, “Simply get in my mouth.” And I am like, “No, I do not wish to try this. I am not fireproof.” That is most likely one in every of my favourite scenes additionally to file.
MF: Lastly, are you able to speak concerning the film’s message and what do you hope younger audiences take away from seeing the movie?
YK: I hope the very first thing that they take away is simply how wonderful this film is, but additionally simply how necessary your mates and your loved ones are. Friendship is essential, similar to Elio and Glordon, and your mates are all the time going to be there for you, together with your loved ones members. Additionally, for those who’re feeling alone, for those who’re feeling prefer it’s laborious to seek out associates and you are going by grief, it is all going to be okay, and you will discover your folks. Simply keep constructive.
Editorial Observe: Tessa Smith performed this interview and contributed to this text.
“They requested for our chief. They received… him.”
Showtimes & Tickets
Elio, an area fanatic with an energetic creativeness, finds himself on a cosmic misadventure the place he should type new bonds with eccentric alien lifeforms, navigate a… Learn the Plot
What’s the plot of ‘Elio’?
Elio (Yonas Kibreab), an area fanatic with an energetic creativeness, finds himself on a cosmic misadventure the place he should type new bonds with eccentric alien lifeforms, navigate a disaster of intergalactic proportions and someway uncover who he’s actually meant to be.
Who’s within the forged of ‘Elio’?
‘Elio’ opens in theaters on June twentieth.
Checklist of Pixar Motion pictures:
Purchase Pixar Motion pictures on Amazon