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Marvel Studios is under scrutiny after reports surfaced that it decided to shelve an episode of Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur featuring a transgender storyline.
What Happened?
First aired in 2023, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur is a critically acclaimed animated series that follows Lunella Lafayette, a teen genius, and her dinosaur companion. While the series is set to conclude with its second season in 2025, the absence of this particular episode leaves a gap in what could have been a milestone for trans representation in family entertainment.
Credit: Marvel
The episode in question centers on Brooklyn, an openly trans character voiced by Indya Moore. The storyline follows Brooklyn’s battle to remain captain of a girls’ volleyball team after Greer (Amy Sedaris) – a coach/parent from a different school – challenges her eligibility upon learning of her past on a boys’ team.
As per The Verge – which watched a leaked version – the episode also featured “a couple of queer and trans pride flags” and is “fundamentally uplifting and clearly meant to emphasize the importance of respecting other people.”
According to Polygon, artists claim that the episode was “shelved because of which party won the recent election,” referencing the recent Republican victory, which followed a campaign riddled with transphobic rhetoric.
Credit: Marvel
However, a source from Disney told the site that the decision was made over a year ago. They stated that the decision to hold the episode was made over a year ago and was unrelated to the recent U.S. election. The company further clarified that the episode was not outright banned but remains “on hold.”
Marvel’s Representation Efforts
Marvel Studios has been steadily expanding its representation of LGBTQ+ characters. From brief nods in Avengers: Endgame (2019) to more substantial moments like the recent lesbian kiss in Agatha All Along, the studio has made visible, albeit cautious, progress in recent years.
Credit: Marvel
Yet Marvel’s steps forward have often been accompanied by criticism for being too hesitant (for proof, just see that brief nod in Avengers: Endgame). Some have interpreted this episode’s shelving as a regression. Others speculate it signals a shift in Disney’s broader strategy, especially as CEO Bob Iger has hinted at a desire to move away from content that is overly focused on communicating a message.
As one X user wrote, “The fact that Disney actually shelved that episode of Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur at a time when LGBTQ+ and trans lives matter the most is deplorable. I know young children are gonna need this episode more than ever and it should be released [because] trans lives matter.”
Much has been made of Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige’s commitment to inclusivity, with Bruce Banner actor Mark Ruffalo claiming that he risked his position to bring more diverse stories to the franchise. However, this recent decision raises questions about whether such efforts are sustainable in today’s political climate.
The Political Backdrop
The controversy is unfolding against the backdrop of shifting political winds. Donald Trump’s election victory and his running mate J.D. Vance’s alignment with anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric have created unease among advocates for inclusivity. Trump has frequently criticized Disney for what he calls “woke” policies, fueling speculation that external pressures may be influencing the company’s creative decisions.
Credit: Marvel Studios
Adding to the complexity is Disney’s recent decision to resume advertising on X (formerly Twitter), a platform run by Elon Musk, who has faced criticism for allowing anti-trans rhetoric to flourish. Musk’s ties to Trump’s administration only deepen concerns about Disney’s current direction.
What do you think about Marvel’s decision to delay this episode?
