A new report confirms that Pixar’s animated series, “Win or Lose,” will no longer include a transgender storyline when it airs on Disney+ next year.
Disney Removes Transgender Storyline from ‘Win or Lose’
According to The Hollywood Reporter, a spokesperson for Disney confirmed that the story arc was removed, and the following statement was shared:
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.
The character involved in the transgender storyline remains in the show, but a few lines of dialogue referencing their gender identity are being removed. Per THR, a source close to the show said that the studio made the decision to change course on the inclusion several months ago. Disney declined to comment further to THR.
“Win or Lose” follows the Pickles, a co-ed middle school softball team in the week leading up to their championship game. Each of the eight total episodes focuses on one character, whether it be a player, a parent, or the umpire.
This isn’t the first time that Disney has removed transgender storylines from its animated series. Most recently, Disney Channel’s “Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur” animated series saw some who worked on the show take to social media to share that Disney allegedly banned the release of an episode that focused on a transgender character. The company denied these claims and said that their decision to hold on releasing the episode was made over a year ago, and not because of the transgender character.
In 2022, Disney faced criticism for CEO Bob Chapek eventually speaking out against the “Don’t Say Gay” bill in Florida. The situation led to Governor Ron DeSantis lashing out against Disney and ultimately dissolving the Reedy Creek Improvement District to form the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. Disney and CFTOD sued each other multiple times before reaching a settlement and development agreement.
In June of that same year, Pixar’s “Lightyear” included a same-gender relationship and kiss. The film was banned in 14 Middle Eastern and Asian countries due to the kiss, which was added back into the film later.
Disney’s animated film “Strange World” included an openly gay lead character. The film was also dubbed the “worst box office flop” of 2022, losing nearly $200 million.
Meanwhile, Disney has featured LGBTQ+ characters and content in other series, like “Agatha All Along” from Marvel Television, and non-Disney releases like Searchlight Pictures’ “All of Us Strangers,” “Next Goal Wins,” and “Fire Island.”
“Win or Lose” was quietly delayed from 2023 to 2024, and was previously scheduled to premiere this month. It will now debut on Feburary 19, 2025, swapping dates with Pixar’s other original animated series, “Dream Productions.”
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