Pixar's film Elio Centers Around a Dominican Family, and the Film Directors Revealed Zoe Saldanha's Role in Incorporating Her Cultural Background

Directors Domee Shi and Madeline Sharafian, as well as producer Mary Alice Drumm, discuss collaborating with Zoe Saldaña to create a genuine character in the film Elio.

, and Administrator

2025 September 20 . 3:13 AM

2 min read

Pixar's Elio features a Dominican family, and directors elaborated on Zoe Saldana's significant... — Pixar's Elio features a Dominican family, and directors elaborated on Zoe Saldana's significant role in incorporating her heritage into the film's narrative.

Pixar's film Elio Centers Around a Dominican Family, and the Film Directors Revealed Zoe Saldanha's Role in Incorporating Her Cultural Background

Zoe Saldana, renowned for her versatile acting skills, takes on the role of Aunt Olga in the latest Pixar movie, "Elio". This thrilling space adventure, now available on streaming, also explores themes of parenthood, making it a unique addition to Pixar's collection.

Saldana, who is half Dominican herself, has infused her personal experiences and cultural insights into the movie, making Olga Solís, her character in "Elio", more authentic. Solís is depicted as an Air Force major, adding a touch of realism to the animated film.

The movie has been lauded for its accuracy in portraying the U.S. Space Force, a testament to the filmmakers' commitment to authenticity. Saldaña's talents have been recognized not just in "Elio", but also in other sci-fi projects like the "Avatar" and "Star Trek" movies.

"Elio" marks a significant milestone for Pixar, as it features a family of Mexican-Dominican heritage for the first time. Producer Mary Alice Drumm collaborated with Saldaña on this groundbreaking project.

Saldaña is a mother of three boys, including 10-year-old identical twins Cy and Bowie, and an 8-year-old named Zen. Her husband, Marco Perego, is also a part of their family.

"Elio" has received positive reviews from critics and audiences during its theatrical release. Now, it's available for streaming on Disney+, making it accessible to a wider audience. For those interested in Disney+, plans for their new ad-supported tier start at $9.99 a month.

In "Elio", the central characters are a Mexican-Dominican family, providing a fresh and diverse perspective in the world of animated cinema. With Saldaña's involvement and the filmmakers' dedication to authenticity, "Elio" is a must-watch for both families and sci-fi enthusiasts alike.