Disney has confirmed that some dialogue about gender identity will be removed from its upcoming Pixar series, “Win or Lose,” set to air in February 2025.
The series, directed by Carrie Hobson and Michael Yates and produced by David Lally, focuses on a middle school softball team during the week leading up to their championship game. Each episode is told from the perspective of a different character.
A Disney spokesperson explained the decision, saying: “When it comes to animated content for younger audiences, we understand that many parents want to address certain topics on their own terms.”
Reports indicate that while the transgender character will still be part of the show, dialogue referring to gender identity, appearing in one of the final episodes, will be removed. A source told The Hollywood Reporter that this decision was made several months ago.
Chanel Stewart, the 18-year-old transgender actor who voices the character, expressed disappointment with the change. She told Deadline, “I was so excited to be part of this project. Trans stories are important and deserve to be heard.”
Stewart saw the role as a chance to encourage and inspire transgender youth. “I thought this would start an important conversation,” she added.
This decision aligns with earlier comments by Disney CEO Bob Iger, who in April 2024 told CNBC: “Our focus is on entertainment, not on sending messages.”
“Win or Lose” is still expected to provide a mix of heartfelt and entertaining stories. However, this move has sparked discussions about how media addresses representation for younger audiences.
While Disney’s intent may be to let families handle such discussions at home, some feel this choice misses an opportunity for meaningful representation. The conversation around balancing inclusivity with broader audience acceptance continues.
