PHOTO CREDITS: Yonas Kibreab at the UK premiere of Disney and Pixar’s Elio. Getty Images
Fourteen‑year‑old Yonas Kibreab, a Filipino‑Eritrean American, is taking center stage as the voice of Elio Solis, the curious and imaginative protagonist of Pixar’s latest adventure, Elio. The film’s June 20 debut spotlights his breakout performance and unique heritage, making him one of the youngest heroes to lead a major Pixar release.
His casting has sparked buzz, not only for his raw charisma but also for representing multicultural youth onscreen—bringing heart, humor, and authenticity to a cosmic journey of self‑discovery.
Key Takeaways
Yonas Kibreab, age 14, voices the title character in Pixar’s Elio
He is of Filipino and Eritrean descent, based in the U.S.
Identifies deeply with Elio’s quirky, imaginative nature
Brings his experience as a former youth tennis interviewer and rising actor
Elio emphasizes themes of loneliness, family bonds, and finding belonging
A Star Is Born: Yonas’s Path to Pixar
Yonas Ascuncion Kibreab first dreamed of a career in tennis and content creation, interviewing players at the US Open as a child. His parents recognized his natural charm on camera, leading him toward acting. Following a commercial audition, he landed early roles on series like Obi‑Wan Kenobi and Sweet Tooth before Pixar cast him for his first leading role.
He later described his visit to Pixar’s studios as “magical,” noting how surreal it was to record in the same space as voices he admired. Recording alongside peers like Remy Edgerly (Glordon) added depth and energy to his experience.
Elio: A Role That Resonates
Elio centers on an inventive, space‑obsessed 11‑year‑old accidentally launched into the “Communiverse” and mistaken for Earth’s ambassador. Yonas said the character’s unique mix of curiosity, loneliness, and bravery mirrors his own personality. In interviews, he emphasized the film’s hope‑filled message: even when feeling isolated, one can be stronger than they think.
He told Moviefone, “He’s taught me to always be myself, the best self I can be,” while Space.com quoted co-directors calling the movie “a powerful story of finding yourself among the stars.”
Behind the Scenes at Pixar
Yonas described Pixar’s Emeryville campus as enchanting, where he recorded many sessions alone but enjoyed collaborative scenes with Remy Edgerly. He praised Pixar’s immersive tools—from virtual‑reality storyboarding to refined vocal booths—highlighting the studio’s creative environment.
He recalled, “Meeting all the very talented artists at Pixar… it was so great to meet them.” This experience left him inspired and excited about future opportunities.
Celebrating Identity and Representation
As a Filipino‑Eritrean American, Yonas brings authentic multicultural representation to mainstream animation. His visibility as a lead voice, coupled with Elio’s journey about belonging and self‑acceptance, resonates with diverse audiences. Interviews noted that his openness about sharing cultural identity on such a platform brings depth and inspiration to the character and story.
Critical Reception and Themes
Elio has received praise for its emotional sincerity and imaginative visuals. Critics acknowledged Yonas’s performance as genuine and emotive—his portrait of grief, wonder, and hope anchoring the film’s emotional core. Themes like parental loss, self‑discovery, and interstellar friendship are underpinned by his heartfelt voicework.
While some reviews pointed to structural flaws, many praised its heartfelt intent and visual beauty—Yonas’s performance standing out as a key strength.
What Comes Next for Yonas
Following Elio, Yonas’s rising star shows no signs of dimming. His blend of on‑screen confidence, stage presence, and vocal talent positions him for future roles in both animation and live-action projects. Already featured in TV and streaming series, he’s now recognized as a new young talent to watch.
He’s also mentioned a desire to continue embracing his identity in his work—something that has gained powerful momentum with Elio’s release.
Conclusion
Yonas Kibreab’s starring role in Pixar’s Elio marks a landmark moment for young, multicultural talent in animation. His personal journey—from tennis‑loving video maker to intergalactic hero—echoes the film’s spirit of imagination, resilience, and belonging. As audiences welcome Elio’s story, they’re also applauding the arrival of a new voice destined to shape the next generation of diverse storytelling.
