Chris Evans ‘frustrated’ by Lightyear same-sex kiss censorship
Chris Evans is “happy” the same-sex kiss was reinstated in Lightyear but is a “little frustrated” that including the affection moment is even up for debate. (Getty/Dave J Hogan/YouTube/Pixar)
Chris Evans is happy there is a same-sex kiss in Lightyear, but he was “frustrated” that its inclusion had to be a “topic of discussion” for Disney.
Toy Story spin-off Lightyear, which stars Evan as the voice of Buzz Lightyear, has been banned in 14 countries over Disney’s refusal to cut a same-sex kiss.
But that kiss almost didn’t make it into the film in the first place – it was reportedly chopped then restored after Disney employees claimed the studio had censored “overly gay affection” in multiple films.
With the film making headlines again, Chris Evans told Variety that he is “happy” fans will be able to see the kiss, shared between Commander Alisha Hawthorne (Uzo Aduba) and her wife, adding the film is “great as it is”.
But he admitted that he was upset that including the “wonderful” moment was even up for debate.
“It’s tough to not be a little frustrated that it even has to be a topic of discussion,” he said. “That it is this kind of ‘news’.”
Evans continued: “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.
“Look, it’s an honour 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.”
Lightyear has been banned in the United Arab Emirates because its LGBTQ+ themes are apparently a “violation of the country’s media content standards”.
Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and a host of other countries have followed suit.
Chris Evans says people who criticise Lightyear for including LGBTQ+ themes are “idiots”. (Getty/Dave J Hogan)
Chris Evans told Reuters that he doesn’t have any time for people who react negatively to the LGBTQ+ themes in Lightyear, saying 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,” Evans declared.
He added that there will always be those who are “afraid”, “unaware” and who try to “hold on to what was before” in the face of mass social change and acceptance.
But, he said, those people will “die off like dinosaurs” to usher in a new age of inclusion.
“I think the goal is to pay them no mind, march forward and embrace the growth that makes us human,” Evans said.
Lightyear premieres in theatres on Friday (17 June).
