Disney’s former Pixar staff cuts trans stories depending on who wins or loses

Former Pixar staffers have spoken out against Disney’s “devastating” decision to cut a trans-inclusive storyline from the upcoming Disney+ series Win or Lose.

On December 17, The Hollywood Reporter reported that the upcoming series will have a transgender-driven storyline removed from the final cut. The character named Kai continues to appear, but is portrayed as a straight, cisgender girl, with no reference to her gender identity or sexuality.

But on Friday (December 27), former Pixar staff members spoke to the outlet expressing their disappointment with the company’s decision to pull trans-inclusive content.

“I wasn’t really surprised, but I was shocked,” said Sara Ligačić, a former Pixar assistant editor and consultant on the episode.

“For a long time, Disney hasn’t committed to creating great content. They’ve been in the business of making huge profits,” she claimed to the publication.

“Even two years ago, when I was at Pixar, we met with[then-CEO]Bob Chapek, and they made it clear that they viewed animation as a conservative medium. Ta.”

Ligatic also said he cried as he imagined Win or Lose executive producer David Lally telling the young trans actress who plays Kai on the series about the change in her character’s storyline.

“You’re not only having someone play someone they’re not, but you’re also focusing their mind on a political conversation that’s beyond their heart,” Ligatic said.

Another former Pixar staffer, who was not involved with the show but had seen the episodes before editing, described his frustration with the company’s choice to pay to change the story instead of “saving lives.”

“The final episode was so beautiful and beautifully depicted some of the experiences of being transgender. And for those of you who feel alone and unloved, it’s about having someone who understands you. It literally saved lives,” they said.

Others argued that Disney’s decision was “100 percent political.”

“When it comes to animated content for younger audiences, we recognize that many parents prefer to discuss certain topics with their children on their own terms and timelines,” a Disney spokesperson said in a statement. .

Chanel Stewart, an openly trans actress, previously told Deadline that she wanted to “empower other trans youth” by voicing Kai in the series.

“I wore it as a badge. I wore it with pride. I wore it with honor because it meant so much to me. I was really excited to be able to portray a transgender girl realistically. I was happy. I wanted to create this for transgender kids like me,” she told the outlet.

“I was so disappointed. From the moment I received the script, I was excited to share my journey…I thought this was going to be a very important conversation. Transgender stories matter. and deserves to be heard.”

“Win or Lose” is scheduled to launch on Disney+ on February 19th.