Pixar’s upcoming Disney+ series Win or Lose is already stirring controversy months before its premiere. While fans eagerly anticipate the groundbreaking show, a recently leaked scene has reignited debates about LGBTQIA+ representation in children’s media.
The eight-episode animated series, set to debut in February 2025, follows a middle school softball team, the “Pickles,” in the weeks leading up to their championship game. Each episode focuses on a different character’s perspective, from players to parents to umpires.
A Controversial Cut
Earlier this month, Pixar confirmed that a transgender storyline had been removed from Win or Lose. The character at the center of the storyline will still appear in the series, but any references to their gender identity were cut. According to Pixar, the decision was made in response to feedback from parents.
“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.
The decision was met with backlash from former Disney employees, the character’s voice actress, and fans online. Many argued that removing the storyline represented a step back for LGBTQIA+ representation in children’s programming.
The Leaked Win or Lose Scene
Shortly after Pixar confirmed the changes, a rough draft of the cut scene leaked online. Social media user @LostMediaBuster shared the footage on X (formerly Twitter), stating that they had access to the scene for some time but chose to release it only after confirming its removal from the final series.
🚨BREAKING🚨: Here’s the entire now-removed LGBTQ+ scene from Pixar’s Win Or Lose.
🚨BREAKING🚨: Here's the entire now-removed LGBTQ+ scene from Pixar's Win Or Lose. https://t.co/oqovp3tueG pic.twitter.com/Bnh7dtwEpi
— Lost Media Busters | @lostmediabusters.bsky.social (@LostMediaBuster) December 17, 2024
The leaked scene features a softball player named Kai using the women’s restroom. When a younger girl enters and spots them, Kai panics. Their reflection distorts, symbolizing their gender dysphoria and longing for a body that matches how they feel inside.
The tension escalates as Kai receives a phone call from their father, who adamantly refers to them as his “son.” Kai’s image is distorted further until their coach steps in to comfort them, promising to support them no matter what.
Although the leaked footage appears authentic, Pixar has not commented on its release. The version circulating online had no audio, so the X user added Space Mountain music to the video.
Fans React Online
The leaked scene has drawn a wave of reactions from fans, many of whom expressed disappointment that Pixar chose to cut it.
“I can understand that this scene could feel overwhelming or confusing for kids but my god the symbolism is so good, I wish they touched up the scene instead of just canning it completely,” said @LoveAwesomeHea1.
I can understand that this scene could feel overwhelming or confusing for kids but my god the symbolism is so good, I wish they touched up the scene instead of just canning it completely
— Love Heart Creations 🔜BLFC (@LoveAwesomeHea1) December 17, 2024
Others were surprised at how brief and subtle the scene was, questioning why it sparked so much debate. From @Faded0276:
Wait. THATS THE ENTIRE SCENE? Bruh if I watched this I would have literally glanced over the entire scene, while I was on my phone. It’s so insignificant to the rest of the episode yet would be quite touching.
Wait. THATS THE ENTIRE SCENE? Bruh if I watched this I would have literally glanced over the entire scene, while I was on my phone. It's so insignificant to the rest of the episode yet would be quite touching.
— Faded (@Faded0276) December 19, 2024
Win or Lose will premiere on Disney+ on February 19, 2025.
Should this scene have stayed in Win or Lose? Share your thoughts with Disney Fanatic in the comments.
