Disney employees are having a rough time of it recently.
Earlier this month, Pixar (which is owned by Disney) confirmed that they would be scrapping a transgender storyline from the upcoming animated series Win or Lose.
“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 terms and timeline,” a Disney spokesperson said of the decision.
Yet according to a report from The Hollywood Reporter, the move has led to internal turmoil at the company, which is already reeling from Donald Trump’s election victory and the $15 million defamation settlement they recently agreed to pay him.
The report states:
“It hardly surprised me, but it devastated me,” Sarah Ligatich, a former Pixar assistant editor who consulted on the episode, tells THR. “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.”
Other employees went so far as to suggest that Disney’s decision will inevitably cost the lives of many transgender people, presumably as a result of suicide.
The Hollywood Reporter says it “spoke to multiple former Pixar staffers who expressed their sorrow and dismay at the company having axed this storyline.”
Their report continues:
Of particular frustration was the episode having already been completed, meaning that adjusting story elements requires the team to scramble to be ready for the February release, not to mention that this brings added expense.
“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,” says one former Pixar employee who did not work directly on the show but had seen it and asked to remain anonymous.
The insiders note that the episode had changed significantly from older footage that has circulated on social media last week and showed the character deliberating over which bathroom to use. “So it’s just very frustrating that Disney has decided to spend money to not save lives.”
An eight-episode animated series, Win or Lose highlights the off-the-field life and perspective of different characters, including players, parents, coaches, and umpires.
The series focuses on the Pickles, a co-ed middle school softball team, as they prepare for their championship game over the course of a week.
Win or Lose will debut in February on the company’s beleaguered streaming platform Disney+.
The post Disney Producers ‘Devastated’ at Decision to Axe Trans Character From Animated Series – Claim Trans Character Would Have ‘Saved Lives’ appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.