Pixar’s upcoming animated seriesWin or Losewill no longer include a transgender character in one of its later episodes. Set to debut on Disney+ in February 2025, the series follows a co-ed middle school softball team, the Pickles, in the week leading up to their championship game. Each of its eight episodes focuses on a different character’s perspective, including players, parents, coaches, and even an umpire, with a unique and layered exploration of their interconnected lives. Created by Michael Yates, Carrie Hobson, and David Lally, the series featuresSaturday Night Livealumnus Will Forteas Pickles' Coach Dan.
According toThe Hollywood Reporter,Disney confirmed the removal of the LGBTQ+ storyline fromWin or Lose, stating,“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.”While the transgender character will remain part of the series, lines referencing gender identity have been cut. The decision, reportedly made several months ago, comes as Disney continues to navigate ongoing debates surrounding queer representation in its animated line-up.
What Disney’s Removal Of A Kid’s Trans Identity From Win Or Lose Means
The Challenge Of Queer Representation In Today’s World
While Disney has made strides in showcasing queer characters in its more adult-oriented projects like FX’sPoseand Marvel’sAgatha All Along, animated works geared toward children have faced additional hurdles in integrating LGBTQ+ representation.One of the key challenges stems from the international market, where queer representation is often met with stricter regulations. In certain countries, governments may impose more restrictive age ratings or ban queer content altogether. This dynamic complicates distribution strategies for global studios like Disney. For example, Pixar’sLightyear(2022) faced bans in various countries for its same-sex kiss and flopped at the domestic and global box office.
20 Times Disney Featured LGBTQ+ Characters In Movies & TV Shows
As the LGBT community becomes widely accepted throughout the world, media companies like Disney are trying to represent them.
The decision to alterWin or Loseadds to Disney’s past controversies surroundingLGBTQ+ representation in animated films,such as the CEO’s controversial response to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Disney’s cautious approach toWin or Losemay reflect an attempt to navigate these challenges whileaddressing domestic pressures tied to political and cultural debates surrounding LGBTQ+ topicsas Hollywood prepares for another Trump administration. Moreover, this decision comes at a time when transgender youths are increasingly in the spotlight, with many bravely testifying before Congress to advocate for access to essential health services and protections.
Our Take On Disney’s Removal Of A Trans Storyline In Win Or Lose
Disney’s Cautious Approach Undermines Inclusive Storytelling
The removal of theWin or Losecharacter’s trans identity feels like a missed opportunity to engage thoughtfully with an underrepresented community. Pixar has a reputation for delivering nuanced narratives that resonate across generations, andthis storyline could have offered a moment of meaningful representationfor younger audiences who are likely to have queer peers, parents, coaches, teachers, and umpires—or who are queer themselves.
At the same time, the decision reflects broader challenges studios face, particularly when LGBTQ+ content clashes with international markets. Disney has shown with adult fare likePosethat inclusive stories can thrive, but its cautious approach to youth-focused content makes me question the consistency of that commitment.Win or Losestill holds promise as a heartfelt series, but Disney’s move highlights how much progress remains in ensuring that all audiences feel seen and represented in the mainstream media.
Win or Lose
Cast
Win or Lose is an animated sports comedy series produced by Pixar. The show follows a co-ed middle school softball team and their coach as they navigate the highs and lows leading up to their championship game. Each episode is from a different character’s perspective, providing unique insights into their individual experiences and emotions.
