The 14-year-old breakout star and musician behind Disney and Pixar’s newest hero discusses self-acceptance and representation.
Yonas Kibread, the 14-year-old breakout star and musician, is quickly becoming one of Hollywood’s most exciting young talents. Already known for voice roles in Obi-Wan Kenobi and Sweet Tooth, Kibread is now the voice of Elio Solis in the Disney and Pixar film Elio. Elio is a quirky dreamer who finds himself on an intergalactic adventure after being mistaken for Earth’s leader. As a Filipino American actor, Kibread is helping to bring a much-needed multicultural hero to the center of a Pixar story.
Stepping into the Shoes of a Quirky Dreamer
Q: Bring us up to speed on the film. What is Elio about?
A: Elio is about an amazing kid with a great spirit who is always ready for an adventure. He is obsessed with space but feels like he does not belong on Earth. His dreams of being abducted by aliens come true when he is taken to the Communiverse, a super colorful and beautiful place in outer space. He gets into a lot of crazy, wacky adventures, especially after the aliens mistake him for the leader of Earth.
Q: What part of Elio felt most like you when you first read the script?
A: When I first read the script, the main character’s exciting and great spirit personality resonated with me most. He is always ready for an adventure, and I am usually the one who comes up with side quests or adventures when I am with my friends. I like that leader quality.
Q: In addition to being quirky and adventurous, how do you relate to the role in your own life?
A: Elio is a very quirky kid, and he does not care about what other people think. I think that is important for life in general, and he has taught me that over the years I have been playing him: not to care about what other people think and just be yourself.
Yonas and the Cast: Confidence and Creativity
Q: You worked alongside voices like Zoe Saldana. What did you learn about confidence or preparation from that experience?
A: Usually, I record by myself in the studio. I was lucky to have a joint session with Remy and Jamila, who plays Questel. I got to work with Zoe Saldana a lot on the press junkets and interviews. She is a professional and gave me tips on not being so nervous, since it was my first big Disney press junket. She told me to be calm, be myself, and not overdo it.
Q: A little birdie told us you are also a musician. Did singing or playing the piano help you find rhythm while recording?
A: I would say yes and no. For some other shows I have worked on, singing and playing have come in handy because music theory helps. I did not really record any songs for Elio, but some lines are sing-songy, and I hum a tune in some parts. Having practiced music definitely helped me a little bit for this movie.
Q: As a Filipino American actor, what did it mean to you and your family to bring a multicultural hero to the center of a Pixar film?
A: I am very grateful to be able to represent my community—my Filipino community and my Eritrean community. I hope that kids my age who want to be actors or do anything creative can look up to me and see that if I can do it, they can do it too.
Q: Did you get any special reactions from your family when they saw the finished film?
A: Yes, lots. I was able to invite my friends, cousins, and my older sister, and of course my mom and dad. My dad usually takes me to all my recording sessions, and my mom, who is a teacher, thought the movie was never going to come out since I have been working on it for four years. She was bummed she did not get to watch it when I first recorded it, but she told me it was so worth the wait and that she was so proud of me.
The Takeaway for Families
Q: What do you hope kids and their parents take away from Elio’s journey about belonging, bravery, and finding their own voice?
A: I think if you are having trouble finding your place, you should stay true to yourself and be yourself. You do not want to make friends that you have to act different around or be a completely different person for. I also hope they take away how important their family is, as family is a huge part of the movie. You should love them, hug them, and never forget where you came from. Your family should always be high on your priority list.
Q: What is your go-to snack when recording in the booth?
A: When I got to record at Pixar in Emeryville, they had these cookies that were so good. They were what was helping me get through the long recording sessions because I needed that energy.
Q: What is one word that your castmates would use to describe you?
A: I would say energetic. I run around or do push-ups in between takes to get my energy flowing, especially if I have a scene where I am running.
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