A few weeks before its broadcast, the next Pixar series is already causing debate. Won or loseexpected on Disney+ in February 2025, finds itself at the center of a controversy after Disney’s decision to remove any reference to the transidentity of one of its characters. Initially written as a transgender teenager, the latter will now be presented as a cisgender girl, a choice which sparked indignation from activists, part of the public, and Chanel Stewart, the transgender actress who lends her voice.
Disney reconsiders its decision
The series follows the adventures of the Pickles, a mixed softball team, exploring the varied points of view of its members throughout the episodes. One of the protagonists had to address a theme rarely explored in Disney productions: transidentity. Originally, this role was given to Chanel Stewart, selected in 2020 after a casting process intended to find an authentic voice.
However, according to official statements reported by The Hollywood ReporterDisney decided to remove all explicit references to trans identity in the final writing. The studio justified this choice by stating: “When it comes to animated content aimed at younger children, we understand that many parents prefer to discuss certain topics with their children in their own words, at a time that suits them. » An explanation which was not enough to appease the critics, many of whom denounced a form of censorship.
Inclusion is still finding its place
For Chanel Stewart, this announcement was a great disappointment. “As soon as I received the script, I was excited to tell a story that could inspire other young trans people, she confided to Deadline. Trans stories matter, and they deserve to be heard. » If she retains her role in the series, she deeply regrets that the initial identity of her character has been erased. A change which illustrates, according to her, the persistent difficulty in getting inclusive stories heard in mainstream productions.
Because this controversy is actually part of a broader context, marked by a series of similar decisions at Disney concerning sexual orientation and identity. In 2022, Buzz Lightyear had seen a lesbian kiss cut during editing before finally being reinstated at the urging of employees and activists. This comeback led to the film being banned in countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia.
Repeated censorship in certain countries
A year earlier, The Eternals (2021) had suffered a similar fate due to a scene showing a homosexual couple and a kiss between two men, leading to bans in Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. In a more discreet way, Ahead (2020) had seen the openly lesbian supporting character censored in several conservative regions. Even Star Wars : l’ascension de Skywalker (2019) had not escaped this dynamic, with its final lesbian kiss being removed in some Middle Eastern countries.
These examples reveal the tensions between Disney’s stated commitment to inclusion and the commercial imperatives linked to markets where homosexuality and trans identity are criminalized or censored. The removal of the transgender plot in Won or lose marks a setback for the studio and raises a key question: Are major entertainment companies prepared to champion inclusive narratives in the face of discriminatory economic and political pressures?
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