Lightyear has yet to release in theaters. However, certain critics already have a problem with the inclusion of a same-sex kiss within the film. The star of the movie, Chris Evans, has a message for those who objected to the inclusivity in the film, saying, "Those people are idiots." Lightyear releases in theaters tomorrow, June 17th, and several tweaks to the film have emerged throughout production.
On March 9th, 2022, LGBTQIA+ Pixar Animation Studio employees sent a letter to Walt Disney Company leadership, voicing their anger towards the censorship of gay affection in their films. According to a source close to the production of Lightyear, the lesbian kiss scene was initially cut from the film. However, following the outcry over the response from Bob Chapek and Florida's "Don't Say Gay Bill," the kiss was restored in the movie.
Now, in an interview with Reuters Television, Chris Evans shared his thoughts surrounding the controversy. "Every time there's been social advancement as we wake up, the American story, the human story is one of constant social awakening and growth and that's what makes us good," the actor said. "There's always going to be people who are afraid and unaware and trying to hold on to what was before. But those people die off like dinosaurs. I think the goal is to pay them no mind, march forward and embrace the growth that makes us human."
Lightyear has already been banned in several countries for the inclusion of the same-sex kiss, including Saudi Arabia, U.A E., and Kuwait. This isn't the first blockbuster to receive such treatment, as major Hollywood films like Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Eternals, and West Side Story all experienced the same censorship earlier this year. It seems in the case of Lightyear, Disney is willing to miss out on the potential profits to provide diversity within their film.
Lightyear Co-Star Keke Palmer Shared Her Thoughts on the Critics of Inclusion
Keke Palmer plays Izzy Hawthorne in Lightyear, a young recruit joining Buzz on his space odyssey. She's a teenager in the film who dreams of becoming a space ranger like her grandmother Alisha, who turns out to be Buzz Lightyear's best friend. She's likely involved with the kiss under question in Lightyear and had some opinions regarding the critics of diversity.
"I would say to those people, just like with Buzz... refurbish your idea of tradition. Understand that it's now, 'To infinity and beyond.' It's time to move forward, it's time to accept and look and you know, enjoy all the faces that have always been there. They've always been part of the picture, you just tried to paint them out."
Palmer and Evans will be joined by Peter Sohn and Taika Waititi in the lead roles for the film, alongside Dale Soules, James Brolin, and Uzo Aduba. Lightyear is directed and written by Angus MacLane and will release in theaters tomorrow, June 17th.