Walt Disney Co’s new animated Pixar movie ‘Lightyear’ features a gay couple, the latest step by the company to show traditionally under-represented groups on the big screen.
Chris Evans, who plays the main character in ‘Lightyear,’ applauded efforts to represent a wide range of people and suggested that those who react adversely be disregarded.
“The real truth is those people are idiots,” Evans remarked in an interview with Reuters Television ahead of the Friday release of “Lightyear.”
“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,” he added.
Because it shows homosexuality, ‘Lightyear’ was banned in the United Arab Emirates, and Disney was unable to obtain permission to screen the film in 13 other Middle Eastern and Asian countries, according to Reuters.
The film is Pixar’s remake of the film that inspired the acclaimed ‘Toy Story’ franchise’s toy version of Buzz Lightyear.
Buzz Lightyear, a legendary space ranger, is played by Evans. In the film, Buzz’s close friend is a female space ranger who marries another lady. A quick kiss appears in a scene showing the couple’s relationship milestones.
“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,” Evans said.
“I think the goal is to pay them no mind, march forward and embrace the growth that makes us human.”
Producer Galyn Susman asked why viewers “don’t get more upset showing failed relationships.”
In ‘Lightyear’, “We have a relationship here which lasts an entire lifetime. It’s loving, it’s supportive and it shows Buzz exactly what he doesn’t have and that’s the whole point.”
“We should all be so lucky to have that kind of relationship in our life,” she added.
