During Disney’s 2020 Investor Days, the company unveiled an exciting new original series from Pixar titled Win or Lose. The show would follow the lives of the Pickles, a coed middle school softball team, offering a unique perspective on their experiences both on and off the field.
The concept for the series originated with Carrie Hobson and Michael Yates, who had previously collaborated on Toy Story 4. They discovered that their reactions to shared events often differed, inspiring the idea behind Win or Lose.
Related: Yet Another Sequel is in the Works at Pixar, Despite the Studio’s Promise to Fans
A Creative Collaboration Turned Controversial
The idea for Win or Lose was born out of a collaboration between Carrie Hobson and Michael Yates, two of the creative forces behind Toy Story 4. The show follows the lives of the Pickles, a middle school softball team, and each episode presents the same events from the unique perspectives of players, parents, and even umpires.
While the series has been praised for its inventive storytelling, the decision to remove a transgender storyline has cast a shadow over its anticipated release.
Related: Disney Park Says Goodbye to Pixar Attraction After 20 Years
Disney’s Decision to Cut the Transgender Storyline
In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Disney explained the change, saying, “Some parents don’t want to discuss [transgender topics] with their children just yet.”
The character in question, originally portrayed as transgender, will now be depicted as cisgender, with all references to her gender identity removed.
The decision to alter the character sparked significant backlash from the LGBTQ+ community, who have long felt underrepresented in Disney’s movies and television shows.
Now, former Pixar employees who played a key role in creating the series are also expressing their disappointment.
Several ex-Pixar staffers shared their concerns with The Hollywood Reporter, revealing that Disney not only removed a vital aspect of the character’s identity but is now scrambling to revise an episode that was already finalized.
“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.”
Voices from Within Pixar
Former Pixar assistant editor Sarah Ligatich expressed her disappointment, stating, “It hardly surprised me, but it devastated me. 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.”
She also revealed that under former Disney CEO Bob Chapek, a policy was established to make movies and shows more conservative. “Even as far back as two years ago when I was at Pixar, we had a meeting with [Chapek], and they were clear with us that they see animation as a conservative medium,” Ligatich added.
Adding to the frustration is the role of Kai, the transgender character, who was set to be voiced by trans actress Chanel Stewart. What was initially a celebratory moment for representation has now been reduced to a standard voice role with no ties to the actress’s identity.
Related: Shuttered Pixar Parade Returning to Disney!
A History of Tackling Tough Topics
Critics of Disney’s decision have pointed out the irony of the move, given the company’s history of addressing complex themes in its animated films. “For decades, Disney has been tackling subjects like death and loss with little controversy,” said another former Pixar employee. “But when it comes to a transgender character, they decide to draw the line.”
Pixar’s films have often ventured into mature themes. From the emotional depth of Inside Out (2016) to the exploration of generational trauma in Turning Red (2022), the studio has shown its ability to balance entertainment with meaningful narratives. This decision, however, feels like a step backward to many.
Representation and the Future of Pixar
This controversy comes at a pivotal time for Pixar. The studio has struggled in recent years to replicate the box office success of its earlier films. Projects like Lightyear and Elemental (2023) fell short of expectations, while the 2024 release of Inside Out 2 marked a much-needed win, earning over $1 billion globally. With Toy Story 5 set for release in 2026, the stakes remain high for Pixar to regain its footing.
The removal of Kai’s storyline has reignited conversations about the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in media. Many believe that stories like hers have the power to foster understanding and inclusivity among younger audiences. For now, the decision serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by creators advocating for diverse narratives in mainstream entertainment.
Do you think Disney made the right call by removing the transgender storyline from Win or Lose? Or should the company have stood by its original vision and embraced representation? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
