Pixar’sLightyearwon’t be released in several Middle Eastern countries after backlash over a same-sex kiss. PerVariety, the scene in question involves a space ranger named Alisha Hawthorne, voiced by Uzo Udoba, who shares a kiss with her partner and talks about starting a family. Hawthorne is a new character who’ll be the commanding officer and best friend of Buzz Lightyear (Chris Evans).Apparently, Disney didn’t even bother submittingLightyearto Saudi Arabian censors, knowing it would not be cleared. However, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait have also bannedLightyearfor violating media content standards. Homosexuality is still a crime and even punishable by death in some Gulf countries.
Lightyearjoins the growing list offilms that have fallen victim to censorship in the Middle Eastover the inclusion of LGBTQ references. Marvel’sEternals, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, andWest Side Storysuffered similar fates when Disney refused to edit the disputed scenes.Eternalsfeatured a same-sex couple and Marvel’s first gay superhero, whileDoctor Strange 2was banned due to America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez) mentioning her “two moms.” Although, the character is also gay in the comics and in the film.
While it’s commendable that Disney chose to pull the release instead of editingLightyear, the company’s stance on the subject was much different till a few months ago. The lesbian kiss was initially cut fromLightyear, reportedly at Disney’s behest, but in light of CEO Bob Chapek’s response to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay bill” andPixar staff’s scathing allegationsabout Disney censoring “overtly gay affection” in movies, the scene was restored. Many other Pixar films, includingLuca,Soul, andInside Out,were also censored by Disney over LGBTQ content. Hopefully, the studio practices what it preaches and will allow Pixar creative freedom in the future.
Related:Lightyear Star Chris Evans Thinks Woody Should Get a Spinoff
LightyearEarly Reactions Call It One of Pixar’s Best Movies Ever
WhileLightyearhas not been without its fair share of controversies, whether it be Chris Evans’ casting or the necessity of aToy Storyspinoff about Buzz Lightyear, not the toy, but the in-universe space ranger who inspired the toy, the upcoming film aims to prove the naysayers wrong.Lightyearwill be the first Pixar film since 2020 to debut in theaters instead of Disney+, and it promises a delightful blend of stunning visuals, space adventure, and hilarity.
Directed by Angus MacLane from a screenplay he co-wrote with Jason Headley,Lightyearboasts an ensemble cast featuring the voices of Keke Palmer as Izzy Hawthorne, Peter Sohn as Sox, and James Brolin as Emperor Zurg. Taika Waititi, Efren Ramirez, Uzo Aduba, Dale Soules, Mary McDonald-Lewis, and Isiah Whitlock Jr. also star in the film.
Lightyearis receiving rave reviews from criticswho’ve caught an early screening of the film, with some even calling it one of Pixar’s all-time best movies. It appears thatreplacing Tim Allen with Chris Evanspaid off forLightyear. But in a way, it was also necessary to impart some uniqueness to the Space Ranger. Here’s what director Angus MacLane says about the decision.
“We needed a new voice for Buzz. He needed to have a nice, rich sound, able to be both dramatic and comedic - and most importantly, he needed to be heroic without coming off as arrogant or dense. That’s a tall order, and we immediately knew we had to ask Chris.”
