Pixar’s first-contact fairy tale is ready for launch. Elio—the studio’s original adventure about an earthling kid mistaken for the ambassador of our planet—opens Friday, June 20, and Fandango has flipped the switch on advance ticket sales. Below, a single-scroll guide breaks down what the movie’s about, why the pre-release promos actually matter, and how to turn one purchase into a chance at a Griffith Observatory getaway.
What Elio Is About – A Kid, an Alien Congress, and One Giant Case of Mistaken Identity
• Plot primer: Elio Solis—an 11-year-old daydreamer with an overactive imagination—accidentally beams himself across the galaxy during one of his mom’s deep-space experiments.
• Big twist: The multispecies “Coalition of Worlds” thinks Elio is Earth’s official envoy, so they drop diplomatic challenges on a kid who still gets grounded.
• Core themes: Found family, impostor syndrome, and the Pixar trademark mix of laughter + mid-movie throat punch.
• Voice cast:
– Yonas Kibreab (newcomer) as Elio
– America Ferrera as Major Olga Solis, Elio’s scientist mom
– Jameela Jamil and Brad Garrett as alien delegates with questionable motives
– Zoe Saldaña (exclusive Fandango featurette) on a surprise role Pixar will not spoil.
Director Adrián Molina (co-writer, Coco) promises “a cosmic adventure filtered through a sketchbook kid who’s never felt he belonged—until the universe literally hands him the mic.”
Ticket Perks: A Los Angeles “Stellar Adventure” Sweepstakes
Buy one ticket on Fandango between now and July 21, and you’re auto-entered for:
- Round-trip trip for two to L.A.
- Guided tour of the Griffith Observatory (iconic telescope deck, La La Land steps, and all).
- VIP access to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures—Oscar statues included.
It’s essentially a three-day crash course in space, science, and cinema. Official rules live on the Fandango promo page—no purchase alt-entry listed there too.
Collectibles & Easter Eggs Fandango Only
- Exclusive digital poster: Bright nebula backdrop, Elio doodling UFOs across the frame—download link in your confirmation email.
- Custom seat map: When you pick seats, the auditorium layout is re-skinned with planet orbits and constellation markers. (Pairs nicely with IMAX star-field intros.)
- New featurette drop: Zoe Saldaña explains why joining a Pixar universe feels different even for a Marvel star. Watch free on Fandango’s YouTube hub.
Dollar Math: Round-Up Donation & FanClub Numbers
| Option | What It Does | Worth It? |
|---|---|---|
| Round-Up | Raises your total to the nearest dollar; change goes to Boys & Girls Clubs of America. | Costs pennies—easy yes if you can spare it. |
| FanClub | $9.99/mo subscription: 2 free tix in 7-day trial, $10 credit every month, no fees ever. | If you see two movies monthly, you net savings; drop after trial if you’re casual. |
Quick hack: Activate FanClub the week Elio drops; use the trial tickets for Dolby or IMAX formats ($20+ value), then decide if you’ll keep it rolling.
How to Build an At-Home Primer Before Opening Night
- Queue Pixar’s Interstellar Side: Lightyear (for scale of deep space), Coco (director’s previous emotional playbook).
- Sprinkle Real Science: Stream an episode of Cosmos via Disney+.
- Prep Young Viewers: Read NASA’s kid-friendly exoplanet facts (links in the Fandango blog).
- Print the Poster on card stock, let kids color Elio’s doodles. Instant bedroom art.
Viewing Strategy: Formats, Run Time, Credits Intel
- Run time: 1h 46m (Pixar sweet spot—pacing > two hours).
- Formats: 3D (limited), IMAX, Dolby Cinema, standard 2D.
- Recommended: Dolby for color pop; IMAX if you crave celestial vistas.
- Credits scene: Pixar hasn’t confirmed, but insiders tease “one mid-credits stinger, no end-credits tag.” Stick around for the first crawl.
Quick FAQ
Q: What rating?
A: PG for “mild peril and thematic elements.” Nothing heavier than Luca.
Q: Is it tied to other Pixar films?
A: Easter eggs, yes; narrative crossover, no. Stands alone like Inside Out did.
Q: Age range?
A: Sweet spot 6+. A few suspense moments but no nightmare fuel.
Final Click: Grab the Ticket, Win the Trip, Meet the Stars
• Tickets: Live at Fandango.com or in-app—search Elio.
• Sweepstakes: Automatic entry with each ticket (until July 21).
• Poster/Seat Map: Auto-unlock post-purchase.
• Featurette: Stream free; link appears on the film’s ticketing page.
Take the leap, launch the countdown, and let Pixar’s newest hero drag you to the edge of the galaxy—no astronaut training required.
