Disney removes transgender narrative from upcoming animated series' plotline
Disney removes transgender narrative from upcoming animated series' plotline
The initially planned animated series from Disney's subsidiary, Pixar, revolves around a mixed-gender middle school softball team, the Pickles, as they gear up for their championship match. The series, set to debut on Disney+ on Feb. 19, will focus on a different Pickles member in each of its eight episodes.
Although the theme related to gender identity will no longer be part of the plot, the character will still be present in the show, confirmed a source to CNN, mentioning that the elimination of the storyline was decided upon a couple of months earlier. However, removing the plot point is not as straightforward due to the recorded dialogues of the character.
Disney explained that when it comes to cartoons aimed at younger audiences, parents might prefer discussing certain topics at their own pace, and so, the company believes in acknowledging this preference.
The news of removing the transgender plotline was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
The announcement surfaces after the re-election of former President Donald Trump, who has publicly criticized diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives which have garnered significant attention from the right. Following online pressure and threats, various companies have recently modified their DEI policies.
When asked if Disney's decision to omit the transgender storyline from "Win or Lose" could signify the company distancing itself from diversity initiatives in anticipation of a second Trump administration, Disney declined to comment.
Earlier this year, Bob Iger, the CEO of Disney, informed CNBC that the company is not keen on sending messages through its shows or films.
"The term 'woke' is bandied about quite frequently," Iger stated. "I believe a lot of people don't fully comprehend what it signifies. The key is that integrating messaging as a primary focus in our films and TV shows is not our aim. They need to be enjoyable."
Disney's encouragement of diverse cast members and narratives has previously stirred controversy.
The 2022 "Toy Story" prequel "Lightyear" contained a same-sex relationship and kiss in a PG-rated film targeted at younger viewers. However, the kiss was initially slated to be omitted, prompting criticism within Pixar's team. Ultimately, the scene was included, leading to criticism from conservatives and a ban of the film in more than a dozen Middle Eastern and Asian countries.
The Magic Kingdom has also represented LGBTQ individuals through its adult-oriented productions, such as FX's "Pose," Marvel's "Agatha All Along," and Searchlight Pictures' "All of Us Strangers."
After Florida passed the controversial "Don't Say Gay" law in 2022, then-Disney CEO Bob Chapek's delayed response to the legislation sparked a backlash from right-wing media figures, who depicted the company as a 'woke' organization eager to promote a radical LGBTQ agenda among children.
Since regaining control, Iger has emphasized that creators have deviated from their primary objective. Addressing the DealBook Summit last year, Iger reaffirmed the company's mandate to entertain audiences, not to advocate for rights.
"I enjoy being able to do both," Iger said. "If you can blend it and have a positive influence on the world, fantastic, but that should not be the objective. Upon my return, my main focus has been to go back to our roots — which is, after all, to entertain first: It's not about messages."
Despite the changes in the plot of the Disney+ series "Win or Lose," the business world still closely follows updates in the media about the company's decisions, especially in relation to diversity and inclusion initiatives. After the news of the transgender plotline removal was covered by The Hollywood Reporter, critics and supporters alike expressed their opinions on Disney's approach to tackling sensitive topics in its content.