Television
Controversial Disney decision on transgender storyline for upcoming animated series
A planned gender identity storyline in “Win or Lose,” created by Pixar, has been modified before its release next February.
Disney has caused controversy by cutting a planned transgender storyline from “Win or Lose,” a new animated TV series produced by Pixar which is due to released on February 19 next year.
The show revolves around the Pickles, a co-ed softball team who are preparing to play in a big championship game. Each of the eight episodes focuses on one member of the team, one of whom had originally been scripted for a gender identity storyline.
However, Disney has pulled the plug on its original plan, although the character in question will remain part of the show, according to CNN sources. The dialogue has reportedly been recorded already, which will force the story to be reworked somewhat, with some lines removed.
Disney explains removal of transgender storyline from “Win or Lose”
In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Disney itself explained the decision: “When it comes to animated content for a younger audience, we recognize that many parents would prefer to discuss certain subjects with their children on their own terms and timeline.”
Earlier this year, Disney chief executive Bob Iger told CNBC the company prefers to focus on entertainment rather than sending messages. “The bottom line is that infusing messaging as a sort of a number one priority in our films and TV shows is not what we’re up to. They need to be entertaining.”
Some have claimed the pullback on DEI (diversion, equality, inclusion) initiatives is a reaction to the reelection of former President Donald Trump, who has previously spoken out against them. Other companies, including most recently Walmart, have also made changes to their DEI policies, but Disney has declined to comment.
In 2022, the company received criticism for their belated response to Florida’s controversial, so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which bans instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation in kindergarten through third grade classes.
Then CEO Bob Chapek did eventually come out in support of the company’s LGBTQ+ employees and their surrounding community, although it also came to light Disney had donated money to statewide elected officials who supported the bill.
That same year, “Lightyear,” a PG-rated prequel to “Toy Story” marketed to younger audiences, featured a same-sex relationship and kiss, which some executives had pushed to have removed before it was restored.
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