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 Red’), and Adrian Molina (‘Coco’).
The movie options voice work from Oscar winner Zoe Saldaña (‘Emilia Pérez’), Brad Garrett (‘Finding Dory’), Jameela Jamil (‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’), Shirley Henderson (‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’), Matthias Schweighöfer (‘Army of the Dead’), Ana de la Reguera (‘The Forever Purge’), and introducing Yonas Kibreab as Elio Solis.
Moviefone just 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 youngsters 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 mission?
Yonas Kibreab: Okay, so after I first acquired the total script, what tied me to this character of Elio was that he can relate to me in a variety of methods. I really feel like he is such a unusual child. He does not care about what individuals assume, and he is not afraid to be himself. I feel that is one thing that I have to actually channel, identical to Elio. He is taught me to at all times be myself, one of the best self I could be. When studying the script, the writers at Pixar did such a tremendous job describing all the things, though I could not see the animation but, I may image all the things 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 screen?
YK: I noticed storyboards of it. He did not look the identical. However he had a little bit bit longer hair. However aside from that, he regarded comparable. I feel after I noticed the primary animated footage was at D23 in 2023, once they first introduced the film. I feel that was the primary time I’ve seen him. It is simply so loopy to see anyone who you are enjoying, particularly in an unique Pixar film as a result of I’ve watched Pixar motion pictures since I used to be little, and I nonetheless do at this time.
(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 acquired to go to the Pixar studio up in Emeryville, California, it was probably the most magical campus I’ve ever been to. I wish to work there, and simply with the ability to be in that very same studio the place Jamie Foxx and Tom Hanks have been recording all these well-known Pixar motion pictures, was so surreal to me. Assembly all of the very gifted artists at Pixar, it was simply so nice to satisfy them.
MF: Did you’re employed with any of the opposite actors, or did you document your dialogue alone?
YK: Sure, normally I’m on my own, however I have been fortunate sufficient to document with Remy Edgerly who performs Glordon. He is such a tremendous child and it has been nice as a result of normally, I labored on stuff with adults. Having the ability to additionally work on a voiceover animated film the place you do not document with anyone, however to document for the primary time with a child, is so refreshing. It was so nice to work with him and I’ve acquired to know him off-screen as nicely. We did press stuff in Disney World, and we acquired to go on rides collectively. It is so cool. I really feel like we should always at all times expertise that. That is the one factor I want I may change about the way in which motion pictures 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 individuals 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 have been excited to see on the massive display screen for the primary time?
YK: Sure. I feel I’ll need to 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 in all probability one in all my favourite scenes additionally to document.
MF: Lastly, are you able to discuss 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, identical to Elio and Glordon, and your mates are at all times 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 exhausting to seek out associates and you are going by way of grief, it is all going to be okay, and one can find your individuals. Simply keep optimistic.
Editorial Word: Tessa Smith performed this interview and contributed to this text.
“They requested for our chief. They acquired… him.”
Elio, an area fanatic with an energetic creativeness, finds himself on a cosmic misadventure the place he should kind new bonds with eccentric alien lifeforms, navigate a… Read 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 kind new bonds with eccentric alien lifeforms, navigate a disaster of intergalactic proportions and one way or the other uncover who he’s really meant to be.
Who’s within the forged of ‘Elio’?
‘Elio’ opens in theaters on June twentieth.
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