Chanel Stewart, the 18-year-old transgender actor who voices the character, said she was “very disheartened” by the decision taken by Disney to change her character’s identity in an upcoming Pixar series.
The animated show “Win or Lose”, to debut on Disney+ in February, originally included a transgender teenager. However, Disney has removed dialogue referring to the character’s gender identity, sparking disappointment from Stewart and others involved in the production.
The series follows a mixed-gender softball team, the Pickles, as they prepare for a championship game. The cast includes well-known comedian Will Forte as the team’s coach, Dan.
A report by the “Hollywood Reporter” disclosed that Disney altered the character’s identity, with the studio later confirming the decision.
In a statement, Disney said: “When it comes to animated content for a younger audience, we recognise that many parents would prefer to discuss certain subjects with their children on their own terms and timeline.”
Stewart, who was cast in 2020, expressed her disappointment, emphasising the importance of authentic representation. She shared that her character, while still central to the show, would now be portrayed as a cisgender, heterosexual girl.
Stewart applied for the role to represent transgender youth and hoped the series would offer meaningful visibility for the community.
The change has drawn criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates, including Stewart’s mother, who described it as a setback for representation.
Disney has not commented further, but the decision continues to highlight ongoing debates about representation in children’s media and the challenges of balancing inclusivity with global market pressures.
