Actor Ryu Seung-ryong lends voice to Disney-Pixar’s ‘Elio’

Actor Ryu Seung-ryong is lending his distinctive voice to the highly anticipated Disney and Pixar animated feature “Elio,” Walt Disney Company Korea said Tuesday.

The veteran actor, best known for his leading roles in hit movies such as “Miracle in Cell No. 7” (2013) and “Extreme Job” (2019), along with his appearance in the popular Disney+ series “Moving” (2023), will participate as a special voice actor in the film.

He is set to invigorate the Korean-dubbed version of “Elio” by portraying the Universal User's Manual, a character holding the ultimate manual to everything that exists in the galaxy.

Set to premiere in Korea on June 18, “Elio” depicts an adventure that centers on Elio, a young boy who feels like an outsider on Earth. His life takes an extraordinary turn when he is unexpectedly transported through the galaxy, encountering unique and fantastical friends while embarking on a journey of self-discovery.

In the film, the Universal User's Manual is a character brimming with wisdom, capable of answering any question and possessing a mysterious voice, Walt Disney Company Korea said.

The actor also expressed his excitement in a promotional video.

“As expected from a new Disney-Pixar film, made by these emotional masters who can make even full-grown adults like me shed tears and snot, the movie is also set to deliver warm emotional resonance and healing,” Ryu said.

Ryu’s participation as the Universal User's Manual is expected to be a significant draw for Korean audiences, adding a familiar and beloved voice to this tale.

Disney-Pixar have a strong track record of captivating Korean audiences, with their animated features consistently performing well at the box office. Most recently, “Inside Out 2” (2024) achieved success, becoming the highest-grossing Pixar animation ever in Korea.