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The world has been robbed of an epic scene where Pixar’s 11-year-old “Elio” goes full beast mode at Camp Carver − dodging pine-cone projectiles and pounding pickle juice. Until now.The scene, called "Carver Legend," appears here and in the Aug. 19 digital release of "Elio." The full animated scene, deleted before the film's theatrical release, features the clone of young hero Elio Solis (voiced by Yonas Kibreab) flying through a grueling obstacle course."The scene is very moody and rich, the animation is hilarious," says Madeline Sharafian, who directed "Elio" with Domee Shi and Adrian Molina, when introducing the clip. "It's just a really awesome, energetic scene to watch."What is 'Elio' about?"Elio" follows an extraterrestrial-obsessed orphan who is mistakenly identified as Earth's ambassador after being beamed into an alien realm called the Communiverse. As Elio navigates intergalactic diplomacy and befriends aliens such the decapod-like Glordon (Remy Edgerly), he confronts a looming cosmic crisis brought on by Glordon's aggressive father Lord Grigon (Brad Garrett).What's in the deleted 'Elio' scene?While abducted Elio is exploring the galaxy, the Communiverse sends a clone to stand in for the young earthling. In an early version the movie, Elio is at sleepaway camp when he's alien-napped, so Clone Elio took his place at Camp Carver.Bullies subject the "new kid" Elio to the Camp Carver newbie tradition of running the insidious gauntlet. To everyone's shock, Clone Elio sails through the challenges using his alien power. He chugs a family-size jar of pickle juice and flies through a ropes course as campers throw the sharpest pine cones at him. When one camper shoots a boxing glove-tipped arrow, Clone Elio snares the weapon and uses it to scare off the waiting gladiator − the gauntlet's final challenge.The entire group chants the name of the triumphant Elio and Clone Elio accepts the applause.Why was 'Carver Legend' cut from Elio?However great the scene, the "Elio" story changed during production. The filmmakers decided to have Elio at home with his guardian, Aunt Olga (voiced by Zoe Saldaña), "to focus on their relationship," according to producer Mary Alice Drumm."It felt stronger to have Clone Elio try to impress Olga with good behavior, but to have Olga realize there was something off," Drumm tells USA TODAY. "This wasn’t the nephew she loved and knew so well."When is the 'Elio' digital release?Disney and Pixar’s "Elio" will be released Tuesday, Aug. 19, on digital platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango at Home. The film is available on 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD on Sept. 9.
