Looking to steer clear of the culture wars permeating through the United States, Disney has reportedly removed a transgender storyline from its upcoming animated series Win or Lose.
Win or Lose, which is Pixar's first original series, follows a co-ed softball team as they prepare for their championship game. Each of the eight episodes focuses on a different character, exploring their life off the field. Their stories are told "with incredibly funny, very emotional and uniquely animated perspectives," according to the series description.
The Hollywood Reporter revealed that a story arc involving a transgender character, which happens in a later episode, has been removed. Disney seemingly confirmed the report by offering the following statement:
“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.”
Although the character remains in the show, the few lines of dialogue referencing gender identity have been removed. Disney is said to have made the decision to cut the storyline several months ago.
Gender identity has become a hot-button issue in the United States in recent years, especially as it pertains to youth and sports. Unfortunately for Disney, it has often found itself in the crosshairs of conservatives.
The Walt Disney Company, which prides itself on a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) friendly culture, faced intense criticism in 2022 when former CEO Bob Chapek came out against Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill, which limits discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in schools. Disney did attempt to remain neutral at the time, but doing so upset its own workers and led to mass protests. This forced Chapek into issuing a response that Disney was opposed to the bill, which drew the ire of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Disney has also faced backlash for its LGTBQ+ representation in films. Pixar's Lightyear, which included a same-gender relationship and kiss, sparked controversy and even resulted in the film being banned in certain markets. Disney Animation's Strange World, which followed just a few months later, also faced backlash for its openly gay lead character. Both movies were commercial flops at the box office.
For what it's worth, Disney has not shied away from including LGBTQ+ content in its shows and movies. Marvel Television's Agatha All Along, Searchlight Pictures’ All of Us Strangers, Next Goal Wins and Fire Island, and FX’s Pose all featured LGBTQ+ representation. Of course, none of these shows and movies are geared towards children, which is perhaps why Disney chose to ultimately cut the transgender storyline.
Directed, written and executive produced by Carrie Hobson and Michael Yates, and produced by David Lally, the new series reveals what it feels like to be in the shoes of eight different characters—the insecure kids, their helicopter parents, even a lovesick umpire—as they prepare for a championship softball game. Will Forte lends his voice to the coach.
Win or Lose is currently scheduled to premiere on Disney+ on February 19, 2025 after facing multiple delays.