Disney's Bold Move: Introducing a Christian Character in 'Win or Lose'

Disney’s latest animated series, “Win or Lose,” has sparked a conversation with the introduction of its first explicitly Christian character in nearly two decades.

The series, which premiered on Disney+ on February 19, follows the intertwined stories of eight different characters as they prepare for their big championship softball game. One of these characters, Laurie, prays on the bench before a game, marking a significant moment for Disney content.

A New Direction for Disney

Laurie’s prayer, “Dear Heavenly Father, please give me strength,” is a notable inclusion in the series. This move comes after Disney decided to cut a transgender storyline from the same project, leading to speculation about the company’s direction. Some observers have questioned whether Disney is trying to appease conservative critics of diversity and inclusion efforts.

Mixed Reactions

The introduction of Laurie has drawn mixed reactions. While some viewers appreciate the inclusion of a Christian character, others feel uneasy about the context in which this decision was made.

Pink News noted that while Laurie’s Christian beliefs aren’t depicted as anti-trans, the decision to include her character following the removal of the transgender storyline has left some LGBTQ+ audiences feeling uneasy.

Disney’s Response

Disney has stated that the decision to cut the transgender storyline was made to allow parents to discuss certain subjects with their children on their own terms and timeline. The company emphasized that the inclusion of Laurie’s character was not intended to be a statement against any particular group.

Looking Ahead

As “Win or Lose” continues to air, it will be interesting to see how audiences respond to the series’ diverse characters and storylines. Disney’s efforts to balance representation and inclusivity with audience sensitivities will likely continue to be a topic of discussion.

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Co-Creators’ Vision

“Win or Lose” co-creators Carrie Hobson and Michael Yates have shared their thinking behind the show. “We knew from the beginning we wanted to have all the hallmarks of a Pixar film—humor, heart, and creativity,” the Pixar veterans said in a press release.

“We came to the table also knowing we wanted to tell the types of stories we couldn’t tell in a film format. Which included multi-protagonists, nonlinear storytelling, and really just pushing the tone to be more outside of the box.”