Pixar's latest film Lightyear is hitting theaters, and it has a special moment for gay fans that almost didn't happen. Now, the film's star has spoken out about the same-sex kiss that almost wasn't.
In Lightyear, which is the "true story" of the astronaut Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Chris Evans) that inspired the toy in the Toy Story movies, features a same-sex kiss between the character Hawthorne (voiced by Uzo Aduba) and her female partner. But an earlier cut of the film left the kiss out.
In March, it was leaked that Disney had been censoring attempts to portray "overtly gay affection" in its films and TV shows -- Lightyear being one example. However, after public backlash, Disney restored the kiss to the film before it was released in theaters.
Now, Variety has asked Evans what his opinion on the same-sex kiss being re-added to the movie, and he was clear that he approved.
"I mean, it's great. As great as it is -- and you know, I've been asked the question a few times -- it's nice, and it's wonderful. It makes me happy," he said. "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.'"
He also expressed his hopes for queer representation in future mainstream movies.
"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," he said. "That representation across the board is how we make films. 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."
While it's not a direct comment on Disney's censorship and un-censorship, it sends a strong message that Evans wants more than what we're getting from current representation. And we couldn't agree more.
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