L/A
Pixar’s “Win or Lose” features Disney’s first openly Christian character in nearly two decades after removing a transgender character. Pixar Animation Studios
“Win or Lose,” Pixar’s first original series not based on an existing intellectual property, has something not seen in the Disney universe in nearly two decades: a distinctively Christian character.
In fact, the series about a championship youth softball tournament begins with a prayer. The first of the eight episodes opens with Laurie, a young girl struggling with self-confidence, alone on the bench, her hands clasped in prayer.
“Dear Heavenly Father, please give me strength,” Laurie says. “I have faith, but sometimes the doubt creeps in. … I just want to catch a ball or get a hit — for my team, of course.”
That simple prayer is the first Christian reference in a Disney film since the “Bridge to Terabithia” (2007), a live-action film which featured two children attending church together and discussing religion on their trip home, according to WDW News Today, a website dedicated to reporting news about Disney’s theme parks.
Disney is the parent company of Pixar, which is based in Emeryville.
The inclusion of a Christian character stands in contrast to Pixar’s decision to redact a transgender storyline from “Win or Lose” during the series’ production, a move revealed by the Hollywood Reporter in December.
“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,” Disney said in a statement about the edited storyline.
“Win or Lose,” written and directed by Pixar veterans Carrie Hobson and Michael Yates, explores the challenges and bursting emotions of children and adults navigating this most complex world. Each of the eight episodes focuses on a different character, with every episode culminating in the championship game.
Although “Win or Lose” was completed before Donald Trump became president for the second time, Hobson commented on the pressures many creatives feel during these culturally divisive times.
“My mission is just the same as it has always been, which is just try to speak authentically,” Hobson said. “To me, stories spark conversation. That’s the power of storytelling.”
“Win or Lose” debuted on Disney+ on Feb. 19. Episodes 5 and 6 drop on Wednesday, March 5, followed by the release of its final episodes 7 and 8 on March 12.
Reach G. Allen Johnson: ajohnson@sfchronicle.com
Pixar’s “Win or Lose” features Disney’s first openly Christian character in nearly two decades after removing a transgender character. Pixar Animation Studios
“Win or Lose,” Pixar’s first original series not based on an existing intellectual property, has something not seen in the Disney universe in nearly two decades: a distinctively Christian character.
In fact, the series about a championship youth softball tournament begins with a prayer. The first of the eight episodes opens with Laurie, a young girl struggling with self-confidence, alone on the bench, her hands clasped in prayer.
“Dear Heavenly Father, please give me strength,” Laurie says. “I have faith, but sometimes the doubt creeps in. … I just want to catch a ball or get a hit — for my team, of course.”
That simple prayer is the first Christian reference in a Disney film since the “Bridge to Terabithia” (2007), a live-action film which featured two children attending church together and discussing religion on their trip home, according to WDW News Today, a website dedicated to reporting news about Disney’s theme parks.
Disney is the parent company of Pixar, which is based in Emeryville.
The inclusion of a Christian character stands in contrast to Pixar’s decision to redact a transgender storyline from “Win or Lose” during the series’ production, a move revealed by the Hollywood Reporter in December.
“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,” Disney said in a statement about the edited storyline.
“Win or Lose,” written and directed by Pixar veterans Carrie Hobson and Michael Yates, explores the challenges and bursting emotions of children and adults navigating this most complex world. Each of the eight episodes focuses on a different character, with every episode culminating in the championship game.
Although “Win or Lose” was completed before Donald Trump became president for the second time, Hobson commented on the pressures many creatives feel during these culturally divisive times.
“My mission is just the same as it has always been, which is just try to speak authentically,” Hobson said. “To me, stories spark conversation. That’s the power of storytelling.”
“Win or Lose” debuted on Disney+ on Feb. 19. Episodes 5 and 6 drop on Wednesday, March 5, followed by the release of its final episodes 7 and 8 on March 12.
Reach G. Allen Johnson: ajohnson@sfchronicle.com
