Controversy erupted this week as Disney confirmed the removal of a transgender character’s story arc from Pixar’s highly anticipated animated series, Win or Lose. The decision has drawn criticism from fans, LGBTQ+ advocates, and the show’s 18-year-old transgender actress, Chanel Stewart, who was cast in the role four years ago. The series, which follows the middle school softball team “The Pickles” in the lead-up to their championship game, is set to debut on Disney+ on February 19, 2025.
The controversy centers on the elimination of dialogue and scenes that explicitly reference the character’s gender identity. According to Disney, the decision reflects a desire to let parents handle conversations about such topics on their own terms. “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 timeline,” a Disney spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter.
A Disheartened Actress Speaks Out
The removed storyline revolved around Kai, a transgender softball player voiced by Stewart. The actress, who was cast at the age of 14 through an open casting call specifically seeking a trans performer, expressed her disappointment to Deadline.
“I was very disheartened. From the moment I got the script, I was excited to share my journey to help empower other trans youth,” Stewart said. “I knew this would be a very important conversation. Trans stories matter, and they deserve to be heard.”
Leaked storyboards from the series revealed that the storyline would have included a poignant scene in which Kai experiences dysphoria in a bathroom and receives reassurance from her coach, Dan (voiced by Will Forte). In the scene, Coach Dan tells Kai, “Look, I don’t know exactly what kind of pitches you are being thrown, but if you ever need to talk, the whole team will be here for you.”
Parental Concerns vs. Representation
The decision has sparked a broader debate about representation in children’s media. While Disney cited parental preferences as the rationale behind the change, Stewart’s mother, Keisha, voiced her disappointment in an interview with Deadline.
“There may be some parents out there who are not ready to have that conversation, but this is the world that we live in, and everyone should be represented,” she said. “Everyone deserves to be recognized. And it felt like it was just another setback for the LGBTQ community because it’s very hard on transgender teenagers – transgender people, period.”
Keisha’s comments highlight a tension in the entertainment industry: balancing inclusivity and representation with concerns about audience reception, particularly when it comes to younger viewers.
A Pattern of Similar Decisions
This is not the first time Disney has faced criticism for modifying or removing LGBTQ+ content in animated productions. Reports surfaced earlier this year that executives at Disney asked for changes to Inside Out 2 to ensure its protagonist Riley’s admiration for a female hockey player remained “as platonic as possible.” Additionally, the Marvel animated series Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur reportedly had a transgender storyline cut before release.
Despite these decisions, Disney has continued to include LGBTQ+ content in projects aimed at adult audiences. Shows and films like Agatha All Along, All of Us Strangers, and Fire Island have been celebrated for their inclusivity. However, younger audiences have seen fewer LGBTQ+ storylines, and when included, they have faced heightened scrutiny.
Previous Disney animated releases featuring LGBTQ+ characters, such as Lightyear and Strange World, underperformed at the box office, earning $226.4 million and $73.6 million globally, respectively. These financial results have been cited as factors influencing Disney’s cautious approach to representation in family-oriented content.
Pixar’s Legacy and Future Challenges
The decision comes as Disney’s animation division celebrates remarkable successes, including Inside Out 2, which recently became the highest-grossing animated film of all time with $1.7 billion in global earnings. Meanwhile, Moana 2 is nearing the $1 billion mark.
Initially slated for release in late 2024, Win or Lose was delayed to February 2025, a strategic move to capitalize on the momentum from Inside Out 2. Created by Michael Yates, Carrie Hobson, and David Lally, the series promises a unique perspective on teamwork, personal growth, and the challenges of middle school life.
However, the removal of Kai’s storyline has cast a shadow over the show’s debut. Critics argue that the decision undermines the very themes of inclusion and diversity that Win or Lose sought to promote.
The Broader Impact
The controversy surrounding Kai’s storyline reflects larger cultural battles over LGBTQ+ representation in media. Advocates argue that excluding such narratives sends a harmful message to transgender and non-binary youth, who often struggle to find themselves reflected in mainstream media.
Chanel Stewart’s casting was initially hailed as a milestone for trans representation, with the potential to inspire countless young viewers. Now, many fear that the removal of Kai’s storyline diminishes the significance of her role and sidelines an important conversation about acceptance and understanding.
“Trans stories matter,” Stewart emphasized. “We exist. We deserve to be seen, and we deserve to be heard.”
As Win or Lose prepares for its Disney+ debut, it will face not only audience expectations but also the scrutiny of those who view the decision to alter Kai’s story as a step backward for representation in media. The series may still find success, but for many, its legacy will remain intertwined with the ongoing fight for inclusivity in children’s entertainment.
