In the latest Disney controversy, several former employees have anonymously confirmed that top Pixar executives wanted the film to be as “less gay” as possible.
While ‘Inside Out 2‘ is poised to be one of the biggest releases of the year, behind-the-scenes drama has gradually come to light. One of the most controversial claims is that executives heavily influenced how Riley’s sexual preferences were portrayed in the film.
The sequel is set to arrive on Disney+ next Wednesday, September 25. A spin-off series about “Dream Productions,” the fictional studios that create dreams in Riley’s mind, is also in development.
Read also: Did You Know? Riley, From Inside Out 2 is Inspired By a Real Person!
Disney Executives Wanted ‘Inside Out 2’ to Be “Less Gay”
According to IGN, several former Disney and Pixar employees have revealed that company executives pressured them to tone down LGBTQ+ representation in Inside Out 2.
Ten anonymous sources confirmed that the studio’s higher-ups wanted to steer clear of LGBTQ+ themes. This led to multiple rounds of edits and script rewrites to ensure that Riley’s relationship with Val, a hockey player featured in the film, appeared strictly platonic.
The decision was reportedly influenced by the backlash surrounding Lightyear, which included a same-sex kiss. Some executives believed that the negative response, including homophobic comments and attempted boycotts from parents, contributed to the film’s underperformance at the box office.
Read also: Miley Cyrus Faces Lawsuit for Allegedly Plagiarizing Bruno Mars in ‘Flowers’
In addition to addressing the LGBTQ+ themes, the article highlighted troubling working conditions at Pixar. Former employees described an intense “crunch” period, with some working up to seven days a week during the final months of production.
Despite the film’s anticipated success, these employees did not receive bonuses and faced financial difficulties due to widespread layoffs.
The LGBTQ+ community and many fans have voiced their frustration with these decisions, emphasizing the importance of representation in fostering inclusion and normalizing diverse identities in media. On the other hand, some executives argue that these changes are made to ensure broader acceptance and appeal in global markets.
