March 4, 2025
Pixar Animation Studios’ new series, “Win or Lose,” marks a significant milestone by introducing Disney’s first openly Christian character in nearly two decades, following the removal of a transgender character from the Storyline.
“Win or Lose,” Pixar’s inaugural original series not tied to any existing intellectual property, features a character with a distinct Christian identity. The series, which revolves around a youth softball championship, opens with a poignant scene in its first episode. Laurie, a young girl battling with self-doubt, is shown alone on the bench, her hands clasped in prayer.
“Dear Heavenly Father, please give me strength,” Laurie prays. “I have faith, but sometimes the doubt creeps in. … I just want to catch a ball or get a hit — for my team, of course.”
This moment marks the first explicit Christian reference in a Disney production since the 2007 live-action film “Bridge to Terabithia,” where characters attended church and discussed religion, as reported by WDW News Today.
Disney, the parent company of Pixar, which operates out of Emeryville, made a contrasting decision during the production of “Win or Lose” by removing a transgender storyline. This decision was explained in a statement from Disney: “When it comes to animated content for a younger audience, we recognize that many parents would prefer to discuss certain subjects with their children on their own terms and timeline.”
The series, crafted by Pixar veterans Carrie Hobson and Michael Yates, delves into the emotional complexities of both children and adults. Each of the eight episodes centers on a different character, all leading up to the championship game.
Although “Win or Lose” was completed prior to Donald Trump’s second term, Hobson shared insights into the creative pressures of these culturally divisive times, saying, “My mission is just the same as it has always been, which is just try to speak authentically. To me, stories spark conversation. That’s the power of storytelling.”
“Win or Lose” premiered on Disney+ on February 19. The next episodes, 5 and 6, are scheduled to release on March 5, with the concluding episodes, 7 and 8, set for March 12.