And as a result, Lightyear will not play in these regions. In this case, it appears Disney was unwilling or unable to make the edits requested by local censors. However, Pixar had restored the scene following blowback from studio animators who in a previously released open letter claimed Disney had been demanding cuts censoring 'overtly gay affection.'Īlthough the open letter was in response to Disney CEO Bob Chapek's handling of Florida's controversial 'Parental Rights in Education' bill, commonly referred to as the 'Don't Say Gay Bill,' Disney has routinely made edits to its films in order to comply with censorship rules in other countries. Pixar's Lightyear will not be showing in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, and Malaysia, among other West Asia territories due to the inclusion of a same-sex kiss among two female characters in the film.Īccording to Variety, the scene, which involves the new space ranger Alisa and her partner kissing each other on the lips, had originally been cut from the film by Disney.
