Pixar Animation Studios, a subsidiary of Disney, recently released Win or Lose on Disney+. The animated series originally featured a transgender girl as one of its characters, but reports indicate that this storyline was removed before the show’s debut. Now, recent coverage highlights that the series has introduced a storyline centered on the Christian faith of another character.
A report from WDW News Today, a media outlet dedicated to Disney-related news, notes that Win or Lose includes Disney’s “first openly Christian character since the 2007 film Bridge to Terabithia.” This comes shortly after The Hollywood Reporter revealed that a transgender character’s storyline was allegedly edited out of the show in December 2024.
Actress Reacts to Trans Storyline Removal
Chanel Stewart, the 17-year-old transgender actress originally cast to voice the trans character, spoke out about the situation in an interview with Deadline.
“Oh my God, it was crazy,” Stewart recalled. “I wore it as a badge. I wore it with pride. I wore it with honor because it meant so much to me. The thought of authentically portraying a transgender teenage girl made me really happy. I wanted to make this for transgender kids like me.”
Christian Character’s Inclusion
Win or Lose follows a middle school co-ed softball team called The Pickles, with each episode focusing on different team members, coaches, or parents. One episode features Laurie, the daughter of the team’s coach, praying before a game. According to CNN, Laurie is also depicted with an angel cut-out in her bedroom.
In the scene, Laurie prays: “Dear Heavenly Father, please give me strength. I have faith, but sometimes the doubt creeps in.”
A Disney representative responded to the discourse, 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.”
Ongoing Conversations About Representation
The decision to remove a transgender storyline while introducing a Christian character has sparked discussions about Disney’s approach to representation. As the company continues to navigate diverse storytelling, these creative choices will likely remain a topic of debate within the entertainment industry and among audiences.
