Conservative moviegoers will find infinite (and beyond) reasons to scrutinize more inclusive representation in children’s media. But Chris Evans, who voices the title astronaut in Pixar’s Lightyear, is letting the backlash of the film’s same-sex kiss scene roll right off his back, calling its naysayers “idiots.”
“The real truth is those people are idiots,” Evans said in a recent interview with Reuters Television. “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.”
Lightyear — which serves as a Toy Story prequel of sorts — made some upsetting headlines earlier this year after Pixar employees published an open letter accusing Disney of censoring LGBTQ+ representation. The letter was prompted by Florida’s recent “Don’t Say Gay” bill, and the news that Disney had made corporate political contributions to several of the politicians who sponsored the bill.
Lightyear was just one film subjected to Disney censorship: A scene during which Buzz’s fellow astronaut and close friend Hawthorne (Uzo Aduba) shares a kiss with her same-sex partner was initially cut, and then later restored after the open letter was published. The smooch caused some countries in the Middle East to ban the film entirely, though bigots individually voiced their measly complaints all around the globe.
“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 went on. “I think the goal is to pay them no mind, march forward and embrace the growth that makes us human.”
Producer Galyn Susman chimed in to ask why viewers would be more upset over a happy, healthy same-sex relationship than a toxic relationship depicted between a man and a woman. “We have a relationship here which lasts an entire lifetime,” she added. “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.”
Lightyear flies into theaters this Friday, June 17th.
