Who’s the voice behind ‘Elio’? It’s a ‘veteran’ Fil-Am teen actor

Meet Yonas Kibreab, the Filipino-American teen actor lending his voice to the lead character in Disney/Pixar's exciting new animated film, *Elio*. Hailing from Los Angeles, Yonas is the son of Irene Gonzales Asuncion from Quezon City and Bemnet Kibreab from Eritrea.

In what's being called his biggest role yet, Yonas voices Elio, a young boy described as a lonely, misunderstood space enthusiast with a powerful imagination. Elio dreams of alien abduction, and when his wish surprisingly comes true, he embarks on a cosmic journey to the Communiverse, a bustling interplanetary hub.

The 15-year-old actor shared his excitement about landing the part, especially since he had been working on the film for over a year doing scratch recordings. He recalled the moment his dad got the call with the good news, describing it as "super stoked" and "screaming in the car!" For Yonas, the opportunity felt like a reward for his dedication.

Adding a touch of serendipity to the story, Yonas and his father pulled over for the pivotal call right in front of a restaurant named Olga's Kitchen – the same name as Elio's doting aunt in the film, voiced by Zoe Saldaña. He felt it was a sign from the "Communiverse."

Visiting the iconic Pixar Animation Studios for recording sessions was a dream come true for Yonas. He mentioned, "To walk into the recording studio where all the great Pixar movies were recorded brings you a special feeling. I always pinch myself because it is such a surreal experience."

Yonas also highlighted the learning experience of working with *Elio*'s directors: Domee Shi, Madeline “Maddie” Sharafian, and Adrian Molina. He noted that each director brought a unique approach, helping him explore Elio's emotional depth, backstory, adventurous side, and rebellious nature to ensure a full-range portrayal for the "classic Pixar movie."

Looking ahead, Yonas is eager to visit the Philippines for the first time in December 2025. His father shared that Yonas plans to connect with extended family and explore the country's renowned beaches.

Beyond *Elio*, Yonas has built a growing list of animation credits including *Merry Little Batman*, *Pupstruction*, and *Ada Twist, Scientist*. He is also set to voice the title role in the upcoming *Pinocchio* and co-stars in the live-action musical *Reimagined*, where he sings two songs.

During a press conference at Pixar, the filmmakers discussed the progress of women in the animation industry. Maddie Sharafian credited Domee Shi, saying she wouldn't be in her directing role without seeing Domee lead *Turning Red* and be authentically herself, which inspired confidence.

Domee Shi, who holds several pioneering achievements as a woman of color director at Pixar, expressed gratitude for the opportunities given by the studio and for the support from both male and female leadership. She emphasized her desire to be a support system for future female filmmakers.

Producer Mary Alice Drumm echoed their sentiments, acknowledging the growing presence of women leaders at Pixar and expressing a personal desire to see more women directing films globally.

Addressing the theme of aliens and its potential relevance to real-world issues like attitudes towards immigrants, Maddie Sharafian explained that the film's core message is about connection despite perceived differences. The relationship between Elio and the initially terrifying alien Glordon highlights the beauty of understanding once barriers are broken, reflecting how Elio learns to connect with others, including his aunt Olga.

Domee Shi added that *Elio* counters the common sci-fi trope of antagonistic aliens by portraying the Communiverse as an "aspirational utopia" where diverse species coexist and collaborate. She noted that both she and Maddie deeply relate to Elio's feeling of being "different" or the "weird kid," dreaming of finding a place where they truly belonged.

For the filmmakers, Elio's arrival in the Communiverse felt akin to their own experiences joining animation school or coming to Pixar – a place where they found acceptance among fellow "weirdos and nerds" who came together from diverse backgrounds to create something special.

Recalling their first sparks of passion for animation, Maddie shared how watching *Spirited Away* as a child profoundly impacted her, realizing the transformative power of film. Domee recounted being mesmerized by Disney's *Aladdin* on VHS as an immigrant child in Canada, particularly the "Friend Like Me" scene, which even inspired her to try drawing the characters.

Mary Alice Drumm's early cinematic love was *Star Wars*, appreciating how sci-fi could transport audiences and explore the fundamental question of "what it is to be human," a theme she finds most exciting in Pixar films when done well.