Disney recently confirmed removing a transgender story component from Pixar’s upcoming animated series "Win or Lose" scheduled to stream on Disney+ in February 2025. This creative adjustment became apparent following reports from The Hollywood Reporter and an official spokesperson statement to Fox News Digital . James Fishback Azoria CEO also made comments on Fox & Friends First about anti-DEI companies which seems relevant given the context of the Disney announcement.
'Win or Lose' Series On Disney+ Changes Story Elements Prior to Streaming Release Next Year
Pixar’s "Win or Lose" follows a co-ed middle school softball team called the Pickles with storyline details focusing the week leading up to their championship match as noted by Hollywood Reporter. Disney officially admitted they removed specific lines of dialogue concerning gender identity from future episodes. A source closely involved with "Win or Lose" said studio executives made their creative alterations many months before this public news and Disney announcement was delivered to news outlets such as Fox News Digital.
Disney Acknowledges Parental Concerns Regarding Sensitive Content within Children’s Animated Programming
Disney's spokesperson issued a statement acknowledging parental concern about how topics on gender and identity are introduced with their children within their own families as they want full control over this specific family dynamic . This new strategy from Disney demonstrates a renewed focus on balancing their entertainment content with a deeper awareness of family viewpoints. Disney recognizes parent preferences for initiating family dialogue around specific subjects specifically within children’s entertainment programs according to statements given to Fox News Digital demonstrating the power of parental input to larger corporate strategies of media and production companies.
‘Win or Lose’ Series Launches On Disney+ As Pixar’s First Original Streaming Series
"Win or Lose" represents Pixar’s initial original series set to premier on Disney+ in February 2025 after years of feature animated film releases. This move marks a big change in direction for the Pixar brand by stepping into direct to streaming formats as Disney attempts new distribution strategies. The ‘Win or Lose’ series attempts to create a new avenue for production and a revenue stream following years of more traditional full film theatrical productions by Pixar Animation Studios.
Past Controversies: ‘Lightyear’ and ‘Elemental’ Results with LGBT+ Themes in Children's Animation
Disney experienced recent backlash from conservative groups after including stories concerning sexuality and gender in programs designed for young audience demographic groups. In 2022, Pixar's film "Lightyear" generated negativity due to reports of a same-sex kiss with the movie earning only 51 million in the initial opening week. The performance of Lightyear resulted in a huge write down after failing to reach expected revenue targets as result of poor performing initial revenue showing in theaters. Pixar’s film “Elemental” featuring their first non-binary character resulted in only 29.5 million earnings in its first opening week which shows negative trend.
Disney Continues to Promote LGBT+ Themes in Adult Focused Media Productions
Disney continues presenting LGBT+ content in shows like Marvel Television’s “Agatha All Along” also in Searchlight Pictures’ film “All of Us Strangers" including “Next Goal Wins” and “Fire Island” along with FX’s show “Pose” as examples highlighted by The Hollywood Reporter. The presence of LGBT+ characters and plots in adult-focused content serves as a strategic move by the brand as they explore different audience segments that support diverse storytelling. Disney maintains a dual-prong approach where sensitive content is strategically included in programs designed for adults but less often in the programs designed for children and families.
Azoria CEO James Fishback Highlights Anti-DEI Investment Strategy for Fox News
Azoria CEO James Fishback shared information with ‘Fox & Friends First’ regarding a new ETF focused on investing in companies that actively oppose DEI or Diversity Equity and Inclusion initiatives . Fishback specifically mentioned goals for the newly proposed Department of Government Efficiency or DOGE demonstrating alignment in their perspective. This political commentary during a news segment illustrates increased awareness and active debate surrounding DEI within entertainment and finance industries while the corporate political climate around the discussion of diversity intensifies.
James Fishback used this Fox platform to raise awareness for investors that seek to support businesses with different views on diversity initiatives compared to the more common public facing rhetoric coming from Hollywood . The interview serves as counter argument for major media production companies like Disney as more corporations choose a side on hotly debated issues concerning diversity and equity .
This media report for the 'Win or Lose’ news segment was reported by Fox News and specifically Kristine Parks an associate editor also noting contribution of Jeffrey Clark.