Disney's Descent into the Depths: Pixar's 'Elio' Flops, Proving Originality is Dead (or Just Needs to Clean Its Room)

The Mouse That Roared...Then Squeaked

Alright bucko let's get this straight. Disney once the undisputed king of the animated jungle is stumbling. Their latest offering this 'Elio' thing – a kid mistaken for Earth's ambassador? – it tanked. A measly $21 million. That's less than some people spend on avocado toast in Los Angeles I suspect. It's their worst opening ever. And what does this tell us? It tells us that the world and especially the woke movie goers is losing its damn mind preferring the familiar slop of sequels to the bracing challenge of dare I say *original thought*.

The 'Inside Out' Paradox: A Tale of Two Films

Look at 'Elemental' versus 'Inside Out 2.' The former another supposedly original Pixar creation scraped by with $29.6 million. The latter a sequel raked in $154.2 million. It's a stark contrast isn't it? It's like comparing a carefully crafted ethically sourced organic steak to a… well you get the picture. People are choosing the predictable the known quantity. They want to be coddled not challenged. And that my friends is a dangerous path. It's a path that leads to chaos to the lowest common denominator to… *shudders* …lobsters refusing to clean their rooms!

The Pandemic Panic: Comfort Food for the Masses

The pandemic you see has exacerbated this trend. Studios terrified of losing their shirts have doubled down on sequels and adaptations. Why? Because audiences are craving comfort. They want the cinematic equivalent of a warm blanket and a cup of chamomile tea. They don't want to wrestle with new ideas; they just want to be reassured that everything is going to be alright. Which is of course a naive and ultimately self destructive impulse. As that Doug Creutz fellow so eloquently put it the gap between original IP and sequel performance has grown 'enormously wide.' He's right of course. He's using his damn words.

The Streaming Scourge: Content Overload and the Death of Choice

And let's not forget the streaming services. They've flooded the market with content creating a paradox of choice. Too many options and people just revert to the familiar. Disney in their infinite wisdom even sent some of their films ('Soul,' 'Luca,' 'Turning Red') straight to Disney+. The result? A generation conditioned to expect their entertainment on demand and a theater going experience that's become… well optional. And it's all too socially conscious! You think the average bloke on the street wants to be lectured while he's trying to enjoy a cartoon? Give me a break!

Competition's Cauldron: A Crowded Landscape

Universal Sony Warner Bros. Paramount – they're all vying for the same audience. Families have more choices than ever. Parents are becoming discerning weighing the cost of a trip to the cinema against the convenience of streaming at home. And 'Elio,' poor 'Elio,' got caught in the crossfire. Sandwiched between live action remakes and established franchises it simply couldn't compete. It's like trying to sell a perfectly good steak next to a mountain of sugary processed garbage. The garbage will always win unless people are willing to cultivate their taste buds and their minds.

Hope Remains: The Second Wind and the Power of Narrative

But all is not lost. 'Elio,' like a lobster struggling to climb out of the boiling pot still has a chance. It could have a long theatrical run find its audience on streaming and maybe just maybe inspire a future installment. Look at 'Encanto.' It had a lackluster theatrical release but became a phenomenon on streaming. There's always the potential for a second wind a belated fandom. Because stories my friends are powerful things. They shape our perceptions our values our very identities. And we must not abandon the pursuit of new stories even if they require us to clean our rooms first.