Chris Evans is defending “Lightyear” against people criticizing the movie for including a gay kiss between two female characters. In a recent interview, the actor told Reuters that viewers that oppose diversity and inclusivity are “idiots” who will eventually “die-off like dinosaurs.” He believes it’s better not to pay any heed to such critics and toxic viewers.
In March, Variety reported exclusively how Pixar restored the gay kiss in “Lightyear” after the staff caused an uproar over the decision not to include it. Although the kiss is brief and is included as a montage that depicts the life of Hawthorne (voiced by Uzo Aduba). The character featured has a wife and the two can be seen sharing a kiss.
A number of countries including Saudi Arabia decided to ban the movie after Disney refused to remove the scene. In Evans’ words:
“The real truth is those people are idiots. 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,”
The actor added. “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. I think the goal is to pay them no mind, march forward and embrace the growth that makes us human.”
Previously Evans shared with Variety how “great” it is that Pixar decided not to cut the gay kiss from the movie:
“It’s wonderful, it makes me happy. It’s tough to not be a little frustrated that it even has to be a topic of discussion. That it is this kind of ‘news.’ The goal is that we can get to a point where it is the norm, and that this doesn’t have to be some uncharted waters, that eventually this is just the way it is. That representation across the board is how we make films.”
He also said:
“Look, it’s an honor to be a part of something that is taking those steps, but the goal is to look back on this time and just be shocked that it took us this long to get there.”
@CultureCrave shared Chris Evans’ thoughts on Twitter:
Chris Evans speaks on Disney removing and then restoring a same-sex kiss in #Lightyear
"It’s tough to not be a little frustrated that it even has to be a topic of discussion … The goal is that we can get to a point where it is the norm"
(via @Variety) pic.twitter.com/GJ0PR5HeKS
— Culture Crave ? (@CultureCrave) June 14, 2022
Audiences also applauded Evans’ line of thought. @dilfcvans shared:
NEW: Chris Evans says critics who push back movie for having diversity in it are idiots.
(I love this man so much) pic.twitter.com/PNP51qMkzk— var (@dilfcvans) June 15, 2022
Lightyear’s producer Galyn Susman also defended Pixar’s storytelling choices and said in an interview with Reuters:
“We’re not going to cut out anything, especially something as important as the loving and inspirational relationship that shows Buzz what he’s missing. It’s great that we are part of something that’s making steps forward in the social inclusion capacity, but it’s frustrating that there are still places that aren’t where they should be.”
Evans was recently seen surprising a bunch of hospital kids at a pre-release screening of Lightyear before heading off to the UK premiere. The actor took pictures with the patients and their families and also signed posters for them.
At this point, despite being banned in nearly 14 countries, Disney refuses to cut the same-sex kiss in the movie. Lightyear lands in theaters on June 17th, have you gotten your tickets yet? Let us know in the comment section below.
Chris Mack
