After retiring as Marvel's Captain America and handing over the renowned vibranium shield, Chris Evans is now set to play the fan-beloved Toy Story character, Lightyear. However, prior to its release, the Toy Story spinoff encountered a major backlash due to an inclusion of a gay reference scene featuring two female characters. In response, Evans boldly spoke that homophobic critics are 'idiots' and would probably 'die-off like dinosaurs.'
“The real truth is those people are idiots,” Evans candidly told Reuters Television while promoting his latest Disney film Lightyear.
“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 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.”
Lightyear was banned in the United Arab Emirates due to an inclusion of a same-sex kiss scene, and Disney also failed to secure screening in 13 other Middle Eastern and Asian countries. Despite that, Disney still stands by their decision to restore the gay kiss scene and push for LGBTQ representation, which Evans fully supports. This might be a small act of Disney, yet it's a big leap in terms of representation and diversity in the industry.
Also in a previous interview, Evans expressed how proud he is that Disney decided to restore the scene. “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,” Evans told Variety.
Lightyear is now showing in theaters worldwide.
Also read: Lightyear Star Chris Evans Shares Idea for Another Toy Story Spinoff
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