It is 2022. We have MJ Rodriguez and Ariana DeBose making history at the Emmys and Oscars. It is Pride Month, but a Pixar animated film Lightyear including a same-sex couple kissing is barred from release in 14 countries including UAE. Chris Evans, who was the voice behind the titular character has opened up about the removal and later inclusion of the scene.
UAE’s Media Regulatory Board reasoned that the film has “violated the country’s media content standards.” Pixar restored the kissing scene after the public backlash and moved ahead with releasing the film without dropping the scene. This comes after several LGBTQIA+ employees signed a public letter along with allies, which stated that “overt gay affection was significantly watered down, modified or just flat-out cut from the story.” Now, the former Captain America has given his opinion on the issue.
Chris Evans Reacts To The Reinstatement Of The Same-Sex Kiss Scene In Lightyear
In a promotional interview for Pixar’s latest Lightyear, Chris was asked about the removal and inclusion of the same-sex kiss in Lightyear. For Chris Evans, the reinstatement is great, however “the kiss” becoming the topic of discussion frustrated him. He said, “I mean, it’s great. As great as it is–and you know, I’ve been asked the question a few times– it’s nice, and it’s wonderful, it makes me happy. It’s tough to not be a little frustrated that it even has to be a topic of discussion. That it is this kind of “news.”
He continued, “The goal is that we can get to a point where it is the norm and that this doesn’t have to be some uncharted waters, that eventually this is just the way it is. That representation across the board is how we make films. Look, it’s an honor to be a part of something that is taking those steps, but the goal is to look back on this time and just be shocked that it took us this long to get there.”
The contentious scene is where Izzy Hawthorne kisses her partner. Its content banned many LGBTQIA+ films. In the recent past, Marvel Studios’ films like ‘Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness’ was banned for the portrayal of a Latin Lesbian character, America Chavez. Pixar’s ‘Lightyear’ is a standalone film of the most beloved character and a spin-off of the Toy Story franchise.
Pixar’s parent company, Disney’s CEO Bob Chapek does not have a good history of standing for LGBTQIA+ rights. He did not clear his stance over California’s controversial “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Disney refused to make amends after the ban of ‘Lightyear’ from several countries. This, unfortunately, took place after a protest from the employees.
‘Lightyear’ hit theaters on June 17th, 2022.
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