What is the cut storyline from Disney Pixar's Win or Lose and why is it causing backlash
There's already been some issues before its release
Disney Pixar's new historic series has already caused significant backlash, even before making its official release.
Win Or Lose will make its debut on Disney+ with a two-episode premiere from February 19 and will be the very first original television series created by Pixar. This follows the spin-offs from iconic franchises such as Monsters at Work and the more recent Dream Productions set in the world of Inside Out and its sequel.
The series follows the intertwined stories of eight different characters as they each prepare for their big championship softball game. Each episode will reveal what it actually feels like to be in the shoes of each characters including insecure kids, helicopter parents, and a lovesick umpire with funny, emotional and uniquely animated perspectives.
However, one of these storylines has received a significant alteration before the show even starts streaming for viewers. Hollywood Reporter confirmed that a storyline which referred to one of the character's being transgender has since been removed by the studio.
The publication added that a Disney spokesperson told them: “When it comes to animated content for a younger audience, we recognise that many parents would prefer to discuss certain subjects with their children on their own terms and timeline.”
It is believed that it was actually a few lines of dialogue referring to one character's gender identity which have been removed. The character it concerns happens to be played by a transgender actress, Chanel Stewart, in what should mark the first major role of her young career. She was only 14 when cast but now at the age of 18, she has spoken out about her disappointment of the studio's decision.
She told Deadline: "I was very disheartened. From the moment I got the script, I was excited to share my journey to help empower other trans youth. I knew this would be a very important conversation. Trans stories matter, and they deserve to be heard.
Stewart continued: "It’s just that my character would now be a cis girl, a straight cis girl. So yeah, that’s all they really told me and that I was still a part of the show.”
It is not the first time Pixar has been involved in reported controversies. Lightyear's poor box office performance in 2022 was blamed by some on the inclusion of a same a same-gender relationship and kiss. Forbes also reported former workers alleged there were notes to tone down the film’s “queer themes.”
Stewart's mother Keisha also spoke to Deadline to share her feelings on the matter. She told them: "It was upsetting because my daughter is transgender and this is her life. I felt like it was very important that we not hide that fact. There may be some parents out there who are not ready to have that conversation, but this is the world that we live in and everyone should be represented.
"Everyone deserves to be recognized. And it felt like it was just another setback for the LGBTQ community, because it’s very hard on transgender teenagers … transgender people, period. Especially when you’re young and you’re trying to figure out how to navigate this world that you live in and be able to grow into your own person.”
The situation has not been ignored by fans who, while still looking forward to watching the series, have called out the controversy. Replying to the trailer posted on YouTube, one fan said: "Wow! Great trailer! I hope that all stories are included in this show and none were censored out of the show at all."
Another commented: "It seems pretty promising. I love the idea of one story being told through the different kids. Although, it really sucks that the trans inclusion story was cut out because the trans story was really great and has great potential."
While one added: "Love the way it looks, still hate how Disney had to interfere with one of the character choices, but there’s still promise."
Win or Lose is streaming on Disney+.