Disney removes transgender storyline from Pixar’s ‘Win or Lose’ ahead of February debut

Disney removes a transgender storyline from Pixar's Win or Lose ahead of its February 2025 Disney+ debut.

Pixar’s upcoming animated series Win or Lose will no longer feature a transgender storyline in a later episode, Disney confirmed. 

The decision comes amid ongoing debates over LGBTQ+ representation in animated content aimed at younger audiences. The series, which follows a co-ed middle school softball team named the Pickles in the week leading up to their championship game, is scheduled to premiere on Disney+ on February 19, 2025.

Each of the show’s eight episodes focuses on a different character’s perspective, including players, parents, and coaches. While the transgender character remains part of the series, dialogue referencing gender identity has been removed. A Disney spokesperson explained the change, stating, “When it comes to animated content for a younger audience, we recognize that many parents would prefer to discuss certain subjects with their children on their own terms and timeline.”

The decision follows past controversies surrounding Disney’s handling of LGBTQ+ themes. In 2022, Pixar’s Lightyear included a same-gender kiss, drawing mixed reactions. Disney Animation’s Strange World, which featured an openly gay lead, also faced challenges at the global box office.

Disney has continued to include LGBTQ+ representation in its adult-focused content, such as Fire Island, FX’s Pose, and Marvel Television’s Agatha All Along. However, industry insiders suggest that studios remain cautious about politically sensitive narratives as Hollywood navigates a charged cultural landscape.

Win or Lose, created by Michael Yates, Carrie Hobson, and David Lally, stars Will Forte as Coach Dan. The series was originally set for a December release but swapped dates with Pixar’s Dream Productions to leverage the success of Inside Out 2.