The upcoming Pixar movie, Elio, set to hit theaters on June 20, hasn’t been screened yet, but the film’s director is already hinting at the inclusion of Pixar’s signature Easter eggs. Known for embedding subtle references to its own film history, Pixar ensures that Elio will continue this tradition, with the directors already sharing insights on what to expect regarding these hidden gems.
In an interview with Ash Crossan from ScreenRant, Elio‘s directors, Domee Shi and Madeline Sharafian, were queried about the traditional Pixar Easter eggs to be expected in the new release. The directors generously revealed several specific references viewers should watch for, including a sneak peek at a future Pixar project within Elio. Here’s what they shared:
Ash Crossan: Pixar films are renowned for containing Easter eggs, such as the Pizza Planet truck, A113, and sometimes hints about upcoming movies. I was quite caught up in the visuals and didn’t look for them, so I’m curious—are they included, and could you hint at where I might look next time?
Domee Shi: Absolutely. All the Easter eggs you mentioned are part of the film.
Madeline Sharafian: That’s great. Initially, you shouldn’t really focus on spotting them.
Ash Crossan: Right, that sounds more like something for the fourth or fifth viewing.
Madeline Sharafian: Yes, but we definitely included the classics: the Luxo Ball, A113. We also offer a clue about our next project. It involves a character from the upcoming movie Hoppers. This character appears quite prominently on screen, which is unusual as it’s typically more subtle. But that’s about all I can reveal for now.
The Significance of Pixar Easter Eggs in Elio
A More Prominent Tease for ‘Hoppers’
Elio will maintain the longstanding Pixar tradition of incorporating famous Easter eggs such as the Pizza Planet truck, “A113,” and the Luxo Ball. These have been a staple in every Pixar film, and it stands to reason that Elio, despite being a fresh story, will embrace these iconic elements integral to the Pixar legacy from its inception.
An intriguing Easter egg mentioned is the tease for Hoppers. While it is common for Pixar films to hint at their next release, Sharafian’s remarks suggest that the Hoppers tease will be more conspicuous than usual. It was specifically noted that a character from Hoppers will make an appearance, which might make this teaser more overt compared to the typically subtle hints.
Our Insights on Pixar Easter Eggs in Elio
Elio Upholds Pixar’s Rich Traditions
Omitting these quintessential Easter eggs from Elio could potentially alienate it from the rest of the Pixar family, making it an outlier. Therefore, it’s reassuring to hear from the directors that these beloved elements will indeed be part of the film. This pre-release disclosure helps set the stage for eager audiences, who can look forward to discovering Elio‘s assortment of Easter eggs and nods to other Pixar films.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
