The Hollywood Reporter reports to us that Disney et Pixar have removed the plot of a transgender character from their new series Win or Lose (Win or Lose), expected at the start of the year on Disney+.
Disney pulls transgender character story from Won or Lost at last minute
In February 2025, animation studios Pixar will finally unveil their very first long-format animated series entitled Win or Loseu. It will feature a co-ed middle school softball team and reveal to audiences what it really feels like to step into the shoes of eight different characters in the week leading up to their big game – the self-conscious kids, their parents chickens, and even a lovelorn referee – with incredibly funny, very moving and uniquely animated perspectives.
The series is carried by Will Forte in the role of coach. Win or Lose is directed, written and produced by Carrie Hobson et Michael Yateswho also produced the program with David Lally.
This series was originally supposed to be released on Disney+ late 2023, but it has suffered several delays, including a recent change; while it was previously announced that it would be released this month, at the last minute there was a swap of dates with Dreams Productionswhich was released on Disney+ last week. Win or Lose was postponed to February 19, 2025.
A reorientation of Disney for some time
It seems that we now have a reason (not the only one obviously) which would explain this last minute change, because according to THRa story arc about a transgender character was removed from the series. However, the character will remain in the series, but a few lines of dialogue referencing gender identity have been removed.
An official statement from the big-eared firm was provided to the American media in an attempt to quell the emerging controversy:
“When it comes to animated content aimed at younger audiences, we recognize that many parents would prefer to discuss certain topics with their children on their own terms and on their own schedule. »
It turns out that the actress (hired in 2021) whose character’s story was changed is herself transgender. Disney informed Chanel Stewartnow 18 years old, of the decision Monday evening. She declared to Deadline this Tuesday that she was “very discouraged” (she was 14 when she landed the role after responding to a casting call for a trans actress). She continued:
“As soon as I received the script, I was excited to share my journey to help empower other young trans people. I knew this would be a very important conversation. Trans stories matter and they deserve to be heard. »
This decision was apparently made several months ago and follows a recent decision by Disney to cancel an episode of Moon Girl and Devil the Dinosaur of Marvelwhich also featured a transgender character.
In recent years, Disney has been the subject of much debate linked in part to a change within the company following the announcement of Florida’s 2022 “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which saw the former CEO of Disney, Bob Chapekspeaking out against the bill, following intense pressure from its employees and collaborators. This led to a major political situation in Florida and the United States, and also attracted worldwide attention, especially regarding the special status of Disney to Orlando for Walt Disney World Resort.
Disney changes strategy regarding its general public content
Disney has also faced backlash over the inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters in several films, such as Ahead, Avalonia: The Strange Journey et Buzz Lightyear. Although impacted by the pandemic, these films struggled to generate enough money at the box office compared to other animated films during the same period.
Since the return of Bob Iger as CEO, the latter tries to calm the political situation by making changes to bring the company back to a more neutral position. He also listens to comments from parents and other viewers.
Disney remains committed to including LGBTQ+ characters in films and series aimed at adults (Agatha All Along, The Marvels, Without Ever Knowing Us, Fire Island…), in particular those of its studios, such as Searchlight Pictures et FXbut the company has clearly made changes to its content aimed at young audiences and families.
With the changing political situation, not only in the United States but in many other countries (often indirectly), many entertainment companies (and beyond this field for that matter) are changing their strategy. The results of the recent American elections are a clear indicator of the political shift that part of America is taking. Companies are therefore trying to return to common ground, to try to satisfy both camps… and make more money!
This trend is likely to continue in the years to come. Because if Disney continues to receive backlash to the removal of this transgender character’s storyline in Win or Losethe company will also receive parallel praise from the public who do not want these stories to be integrated into content aimed at young children and families.
Win or Lose is expected on February 19, 2025 on Disney+.
Source : The Hollywood Reporter
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