In the forthcoming movie, Lightyear, a main character, Alisha Hawthorne, is in a serious relationship with another woman. In the original edit of the movie, the two share a kiss. Employees at Pixar Animation Studios sent a letter decrying the censorship of “overtly gay affection” in Disney’s feature films. The letter was taken seriously, and ultimately the kiss was reinstated back into the film as per Variety.
Due to the same-sex kiss that was reinstated into the film, Lightyear will be banned in 14 Middle Eastern and Asian countries. Additionally, China is in question as they asked for cuts to be made to the movie in order for it to be released in the country. Disney declined to make the changes. The newest country to be added to the list is United Arab Emirates as the same-sex relationship and kiss violates the country’s media content standards says Reuters.
Producer Galyn Susman said about not cutting the scene, “We’re not going to cut out anything, especially something as important as the loving and inspirational relationship that shows Buzz what he’s missing by the choices that he’s making, so that’s not getting cut.”
Chris Evans, who voices the main character Buzz Lightyear told Reuters that the objection to the movie due to the same-sex couple and kiss is “frustrating.”
“It’s great that we are a part of something that’s making steps forward in the social inclusion capacity, but it’s frustrating that there are still places that aren’t where they should be,” Evans said to Reuters.
“I mean, it’s great. As great as it is…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,” Chris added in an interview with Variety.
“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,” Chris said to Variety. “That representation across the board is how we make films.”
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