“Saving Lives”: Disney Employees Discuss Removal of Transgender Storyline from 2025 Pixar Series

“Saving Lives”: Disney Employees Discuss Removal of Transgender Storyline from 2025 Pixar Series

Following widespread criticism from the public, Disney’s decision to omit a transgender storyline from the upcoming animated series Win or Lose has prompted candid reactions from Pixar employees. This show, marking Pixar’s first full-length series, centers on a co-ed middle school softball team and explores the lives of its young players and their parents as they prepare for a championship game. The controversy ignited when it was disclosed that Disney had removed a plotline featuring a transgender character, citing a desire to keep animated content suitable for younger audiences.

In a recent report from The Hollywood Reporter, various Pixar team members shared their perspectives on the removal. Notably, former assistant editor Sarah Ligatich, who identifies as transgender and contributed to the episode, expressed that, while she was not surprised by the decision, it left her feeling “devastated”:

For a long time, Disney has not been in the business of making great content. They have been in the business of making great profits. Even as far back as two years ago, when I was at Pixar, we had a meeting with [then-CEO] Bob Chapek, and they were clear with us that they see animation as a conservative medium.

Ligatich highlighted the welcoming environment she felt during her tenure at Pixar, recounting her discussions with executive producer David Lally concerning her dissatisfaction over the decision. She noted that the series had been completed for quite some time but faced multiple delays:

I can’t tell you how much I cried yesterday thinking about the conversation that David had to have with [Chanel]. Not only are you asking someone to play someone they’re not, but to also get them to wrap their mind around a political conversation that is just so beyond them. They had this story in the can for two years, so they could have released it in a Biden presidency, and they chose not to.

Despite reports that several artists at Pixar were hesitant to work on the episode, sources indicate that everyone was given the option to opt out, yet no one chose to do so. Ligatich praised platforms like Netflix for nurturing the animation industry and promoting LGBTQ+ narratives, referencing their Oscar-nominated feature Nimona:

Netflix is more than happy to host content that tells authentic LGBTQ stories. That’s really how it’s going to go moving forward, is you’re going to see a lot of indie studios pop up to tell stories.

Two anonymous former Pixar employees also weighed in, with one expressing that the decision to cut the storyline was “100% political,”particularly in light of Disney’s recent legal challenges:

Disney just had the settlement with Trump. We saw it recently with the Devil Dinosaur and Moon Girl episode that was cut. All of us who knew about Win or Lose and this character were all just clenching: “Please don’t hit us next.”

The other unnamed ex-employee noted they had seen both versions of the episode and described it as “beautiful,”highlighting scenes that profoundly illustrated the experiences of being transgender. They emphasized that the removal necessitated significant adjustments to the story to accommodate a new episode before its February release:

The episode in its final form was so beautiful — and beautifully illustrated some of the experiences of being trans — and it was literally going to save lives by showing those who feel alone and unloved that there are people out there who understand. So it’s just very frustrating that Disney has decided to spend money to not save lives.

Implications of Pixar Employees’ Reactions

Potential Impact on the Show

A child screaming on the bus in Pixar's Win or Lose

As Ligatich has indicated, Disney’s choice to strip Win or Lose of its transgender storyline likely did not catch Pixar staffers off guard. Over recent years, Disney has repeatedly faced scrutiny for its seemingly half-hearted approaches to LGBTQ+ representation. Reports suggest that Pixar made alterations to characters in the upcoming Inside Out 2 to downplay LGBTQ+ elements following the less favorable reception of previous films.

Presently, there is palpable concern over how the show’s narrative will unfold. With the production team now scrambling to create a new episode to replace the one focused on the trans character, the show’s intended pacing and character development could experience disruption, mirroring trends seen in projects that prioritize cohesive storytelling.

Analysis of Pixar Employees’ Feedback

Alienation of Future Talent

Given Disney’s historically contentious relationship with LGBTQ+ storytelling, the exclusion of the trans narrative from Win or Lose signifies severe implications for both Disney and Pixar’s futures. With platforms like Netflix paving the way for inclusive narratives, Disney’s retreat toward a conservative narrative style could dissuade aspiring animators and creators from pursuing careers with the company.

Moreover, Disney must recognize that while some parents may welcome their decision to avoid sensitive topics, the tide is shifting among new generations of parents who favor comprehensive education regarding LGBTQ+ matters. In making these decisions, Disney risks alienating talented filmmakers capable of conveying important narratives that resonate with diverse audiences in impactful ways.

Source: THR

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