Disney is making significant strides to reorient its content, introducing an openly Christian character in its new Pixar series Win or Lose, just after removing a transgender storyline. This move is a reflection of a broader cultural shift towards traditional values, coinciding with the start of President Donald Trump’s second term in office.
Amid the ongoing national debate over cultural issues, Disney has sought to recalibrate its approach, particularly in response to criticism from conservatives. Back in December, Disney’s ABC News was embroiled in a defamation lawsuit with Trump, which ended with a $15 million settlement in his favor, signaling a potential shift in the entertainment giant’s stance on contentious issues.
Win or Lose, Pixar’s first-ever long-form animated series, follows the Pickles, a co-ed middle school softball team, as they prepare for a championship game. The show delves into the lives of its characters, exploring themes such as self-esteem, parental influence, and the challenges young people face off the field. It debuted on Disney+ on February 19, 2025.
The debut episode introduces Laurie, a character who is openly Christian. She begins her scene with the words “heavenly father,” and her bedroom features an angel cutout, signaling her faith. This marks Disney’s first openly Christian character in a film or series since the 2007 release of Bridge to Terabithia, where the characters Jesse and Leslie briefly attend church together.
In a related move, Disney recently removed a storyline that referenced a character’s gender identity, a decision confirmed by a company spokesperson. They stated that such content could be difficult for younger viewers and preferred that parents have the option to introduce such topics on their own terms.
Trump and his supporters have long criticized Disney for what they perceive as its “woke” policies, including the company’s focus on LGBTQ+ representation in recent years. A poll conducted by Redfield and Wilton Strategies found that 34 percent of viewers disapproved of Disney’s increasing focus on LGBTQ+ issues in its content.
With President Trump’s return to office, his policies regarding transgender rights have also taken center stage, including an executive order that reaffirms the federal recognition of only two sexes—male and female. This has become a key part of his second-term agenda, highlighting the cultural divide over these issues.
It appears Disney is adjusting its content to be more in line with traditional values, possibly seeking to regain favor with conservative audiences. As Win or Lose continues its weekly release through March 12, its reception may offer further insights into the company’s shift in direction.
For now, it seems that Disney’s days of pushing progressive, “woke” agendas may be behind them, as the company looks to balance its entertainment offerings with the cultural expectations of a more conservative America.