Disney deletes a transgender character from its series and draws criticism from its actress

TV SERIES – Less inclusive than expected. If the animated series project Win or Lose from Pixar has received very little attention until now, the announcement of the disappearance of a transgender character from this future Disney+ series provokes a wave of criticism against the policy of the big-eared firm.

First original series from the animation studio behind Wall-E or more recently Vice-Versa 2, Win or Lose recently saw its release postponed to February 2025. In the meantime, Disney has had to face since Tuesday, December 17, the controversy arising from its choice to erase a transgender character from history. A choice that was moved by its interpreter, the young trans actress Chanel Stewart.

According to Disney, who explained his choice in the columns of Hollywood Reporter« When it comes to animated content aimed at younger audiences, we believe many parents would prefer to discuss certain topics with their children on their own terms and on their own schedule “. A difficult decision for the 18-year-old actress, who was happy to be able to lend her voice to this character.

« The idea of ​​authentically representing a transgender teenager made me really happy. I wanted to do this for transgender kids like me “, she explained to Deadlineafter being warned by Disney the day before this announcement. “I was very discouraged” upon hearing the news, added Chanel Stewart, who was only 14 when she landed the role.

“As soon as I received the script, I couldn’t wait to share my experience to help other young transgender people find their freedom. I knew it would be a very important debate. Trans stories matter and they deserve to be heard”also slipped the actress.

The character retained in the series, but…

In reality, the character voiced by Chanel Stewart has not disappeared. If the narrative arc linked to the character’s transidentity has been completely removed from the eight-episode series, which follows the adventures of a team of children in the midst of preparing for a softball championship, it is still an integral part of the program . “ It’s just that my character is now a cisgender girl, a heterosexual cisgender girl “, she specifies.

On social networks, the draft of a scene now cut, online for several months, was shared to reflect the type of content that Disney has decided to do without in a series taking place in a mixed high school.

As pointed out The Hollywood ReporterDisney’s choice also seems to respond to the failures of several Disney-Pixar productions presenting LGBTQ+ characters in recent years. Buzz Lightyear et Avalonia: The Strange Journey in mind.

Two commercial failures which may have discouraged the firm from favoring inclusion in its productions for children. Where LGBTQ+ issues are addressed more head-on in adult programs produced by Disney. Whether at Marvel with the series Agatha All Along or with the film All of Us Strangers, produced by Searchlight Pictures in 2024.

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