Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter said the studio removed LGBTQ-related elements from the 2025 animated film “Elio” after early test screenings led to significant changes during production.

Docter addressed the decision in remarks that circulated online, explaining that the studio prioritized making a broadly appealing film rather than including material that did not resonate with audiences.

“We’re making a movie, not hundreds of millions of dollars of therapy,” Docter said.

The film underwent a major overhaul after its original director departed the project during the revision process. Directors Madeline Sharafian and Domee Shi were later brought in to complete the film, even though much of the animation work had already been finished.

According to reports from Variety, earlier versions of the film included scenes suggesting that the main character was gay. The outlet reported that those elements were removed during the revisions.

“Previous versions of the film reportedly showed Elio with a pink bike and had a scene where he imagines a life together with his male crush,” the report stated.

The changes reportedly caused internal tension within Pixar and added to the broader controversy surrounding Disney projects. The debate followed another decision by Disney to remove a transgender character from Pixar’s animated series “Win or Lose.”

Docter’s remarks about the edits drew backlash online from critics who objected to the decision.

Despite the production changes, “Elio” struggled financially at the box office. The film reportedly earned about $150 million worldwide against a production budget estimated at $150 million, leaving its overall profitability uncertain once marketing and distribution costs are considered.