Disney Surprises Everyone With First Christian Character in Three Decades

Disney has been at the center of cultural and political debates for years, often accused of pushing an agenda. Recent controversies, from high-profile legal battles to box office flops, have left the company reevaluating its approach.

Under CEO Bob Iger’s leadership — at least in the last six months — Disney has taken noticeable steps to shift focus back to storytelling and away from political narratives.

A major example of this shift comes from Pixar’s newest Disney+ series, Win or Lose. The show, which follows a co-ed middle school softball team, features a groundbreaking character—Laurie, a young athlete who openly expresses her Christian faith. In the first episode, Laurie prays before stepping up to bat, referencing “Heavenly Father” and surrounding herself with Christian imagery. According to reports, this marks the first openly Christian character in a Disney production since The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996).

Unlike stereotypical portrayals of faith-based characters, Laurie is not presented as judgemental or perfect. Instead, she struggles with doubt and self-confidence, making her a relatable and complex character. Her faith plays a role in her journey. This nuanced portrayal has been praised for offering a more realistic representation of Christianity in mainstream media.

The decision to include Laurie in Win or Lose raises questions about Disney’s long-term strategy. Is this a one-time attempt to appeal to Christian audiences, or does it signal a broader effort to change how Disney has presented storytelling? Some see it as a response to recent struggles with conservative audiences, while others believe it’s a genuine step toward broader representation.

Regardless of the motivation, Laurie’s introduction is a significant moment for Disney and Pixar. If the response is positive, this could open the door for more faith-based characters in future projects. For now, Win or Lose offers a rare and refreshing perspective, making history as Pixar’s first openly Christian character in nearly 30 years.