During Disney’s Investor Days in 2020, the company revealed an exciting new original series from Pixar titled Win or Lose. The show centers on the Pickles, a coed middle school softball team, and their unique experiences both on and off the field.
The concept for the series originated with Carrie Hobson and Michael Yates, who collaborated on Toy Story 4. They noticed that they often had contrasting reactions to the same events, sparking the creative inspiration behind Win or Lose.
The idea for Win or Lose was conceived by Carrie Hobson and Michael Yates, two of the creative minds behind Toy Story 4. The series follows the members of a middle school softball team, the Pickles, and explores their perspectives on shared experiences.
Each episode presents the same events from the viewpoints of players, parents, and even umpires, providing a unique narrative structure. The series has been praised for its originality, but recent developments have overshadowed its creative promise.
The Decision to Remove a Transgender Storyline
Just a week before Christmas, Disney announced that it had removed a transgender character’s storyline from the show. While the character will remain part of the series, she will now be cisgender, and all references to her gender identity have been erased.
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In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Disney explained the decision: “Some parents don’t want to discuss [transgender topics] with their children just yet.”
Adding to the criticism, former Pixar employees who were deeply involved in creating the series have now expressed their disappointment.
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Several ex-Pixar staff members shared their concerns with The Hollywood Reporter, stating that Disney not only removed a crucial aspect of the character’s identity but is now scrambling to rework an already completed episode.
“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.”
Former Pixar assistant editor Sarah Ligatich also weighed in, 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 the controversial rule to make movies and shows more conservative was established under former Disney CEO Bob Chapek.
“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.”
Adding to the disappointment, the role of the transgender character, Kai, is being voiced by trans actress Chanel Stewart. Initially, the casting was celebrated as a meaningful step toward representation.
Now, Stewart’s involvement has been diminished, as she voices a character stripped of her original identity.
This controversy comes at a challenging time for Pixar. The studio has struggled to replicate its earlier successes, with recent releases like Lightyear and Elemental falling short at the box office. While Inside Out 2 marked a triumphant return to form in 2024, earning over $1 billion, Pixar’s next major release isn’t scheduled until 2026 with Toy Story 5.
The removal of Kai’s storyline has reignited debates about the role of representation in media and the balance between creative vision and corporate priorities. For many, Win or Lose represented a chance to push boundaries and create a more inclusive world for younger audiences. Now, it serves as a reminder of the hurdles still faced by LGBTQ+ narratives in mainstream media.
What do you think about Disney’s decision? Should the storyline have been preserved, or was the company right to alter it? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
