Trans Actor ‘Disheartened’ as Disney Alters Role in Pixar Series
Chanel Stewart, the 18-year-old transgender actor who voices the character, expressed her disappointment with Disney’s decision to change her character’s identity in an upcoming Pixar series.
The animated show, “Win or Lose,” set to premiere on Disney+ in February, originally featured a transgender teenager. However, Disney made the decision to remove dialogue referencing the character’s gender identity, leading to disappointment from Stewart and others involved in the production.
The series follows a mixed-gender softball team, the Pickles, as they gear up for a championship game. The cast includes comedian Will Forte as the team’s coach, Dan.
A report by the “Hollywood Reporter” revealed that Disney had altered the character’s identity, a decision later confirmed by the studio.
In response, Disney stated, “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, emphasized the significance of authentic representation and expressed her disappointment with the change. She revealed that her character, while still integral to the show, would now be portrayed as a cisgender, heterosexual girl.
Stewart had auditioned for the role with the intention of representing transgender youth and hoped that the series would provide meaningful visibility for the community.
The decision to alter the character has been met with criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates, including Stewart’s mother, who described it as a step back for representation.
Disney has not provided further comment on the matter, but the decision underscores the ongoing discussions surrounding representation in children’s media and the complexities of balancing inclusivity with global market pressures.
