Pixar has found its latest new star with Yonas Kibreab leadingElio, and it led to some heartwarming moments for both him and his co-star, Zoe Saldaña. Having made his acting debut in an episode of HBO’sSilicon Valley, Kibreab has been on a steady rise to fame in both live-action and animation over the past few years, particularly with his roles inObi-Wan Kenobi,Sweet ToothandMerry Little Batman. Saldaña, on the other hand, is one of the most popular actors in both live-action and animation,particularly for the Marvel Cinematic Universe,AvatarandStar Trekfranchises, and is fresh off her Oscar victory forEmilia Pérez.
Kibreab leads theEliocast as the titular protagonist, an 11-year-old boy longing to find a sense of belonging beyond Earth as he hopes to be abducted by aliens. Saldaña, meanwhile, stars as Olga Solis, an Air Force major and Elio’s aunt who, after the death of his parents, takes custody of him, though struggles to connect with him. When his wish comes true, but also leads to him being mistaken as the ambassador for Earth at the intergalactic Communiverse, Elio goes on an emotional adventure of discovery that also leads to heartfelt revelations for Olga.
Ahead of the movie’s release,ScreenRantinterviewed Yonas Kibreab and Zoe Saldaña to discussElio. The former reflected on the heartwarming moment he learned he landed the titular role, and how it was a surreal experience to get to work on the film with Saldaña. The Oscar winner, meanwhile, shared her thoughts on the 25th anniversary of her acting debut,Center Stage, as well as her excitement for James Gunn’s DC Universe kicking off withSuperman.
Being Cast As Elio Was A “Surreal Moment” For Kibreab
He & Saldaña Also Found Themselves Teaching Each Other New Things
While Kibreab has a solid roster of notable titles in his filmography,Eliois undeniably his biggest projectyet as the lead of an original Pixar film. Looking back on the moment he learned he had landed the part,the young star called it both a “pinch-me” and “surreal moment”, particularly given he grew up with many of the studio’s films and continues to be a fan of Pixar’s library, even saying his mom can back him up.
I love all the Pixar movies and I watched them all the time and I still do today. And just to be in one, in an original Pixar movie, is such a pinch-me moment.
Recognizing that the saying “pinch-me moment” was new to him, both Kibreab and Saldaña recalled that they found themselves teaching each other new things both during production andElio’s press tour that could be seen as generational differences. “He’s been teaching me how to be Alpha and Gen Z,” Saldaña shared with a chuckle as she went on to recalllearning about everything from “rizz” to the viralSkibidi Toiletcraze. In reflecting on Saldaña’s sci-fi history, Kibreab also praised his co-star’s work asGamora inGuardians of the Galaxy, calling her “my favorite” of her characters.
Filming Center Stage In Lincoln Center Was A “Pinch-Me” Moment For Saldaña
She Has Particular Adoration For Ballet Dancers
Well before she was garnering acclaim for her blockbuster franchises, Saldaña was enjoying a humble start with her debut role inthe teen dramaCenter Stage,which just recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. Looking back on her experience with the film, Saldaña similarly described it as being a “pinch-me moment” as Kibreab’s casting inElio, namely for the opportunity to shoot it in Lincoln Center and immerse herself in the world of ballet dancers, who she’s “always regarded as gladiators” and feels that “everything that they’re able to do is so beautiful”.
“Those pinch-me moments of that little girl in me that was dreaming always to be in Lincoln Center,” Saldaña expressed, “and all of a sudden, I’m doing a film that takes place all throughout Lincoln Center was really beautiful.”
She Is, However, Excited For Superman’s Release
Looking to the future, curiosity has swirled about the possibility of Saldaña reuniting with James Gunn for his DC Universe launch after their successful work on theGuardians of the Galaxymovies and the writer/director’s own confirmation of having a role in mind for her. Though confirming she has not yet had any official conversations with Gunn,Saldaña expressed being very excited forthe upcoming release ofSuperman, describing the filmmaker as being “so talented” and her confidence that “he’s going to bring a lot of heart” and “a lot of humor and levity to this beautiful legacy of a story”.
Stay tuned for and check out our otherEliointerviews with:
Elio
Cast
Elio follows the journey of a space enthusiast who embarks on a cosmic adventure, encountering eccentric alien lifeforms and facing an intergalactic crisis. During this odyssey, he attempts to forge new friendships and discovers his true identity in the universe. Released in 2025, the film explores themes of self-discovery and friendship.
