Christian Prayer Returns To Disney Content
Disney Pixar’s new animated series Win or Lose, released on Disney+ in February 2024, has generated significant attention with the introduction of its first openly Christian character in almost 20 years. Set in the lead-up to a middle school softball team’s championship game, the series delves into the personal lives of each character. In the premiere episode, titled “Coach’s Kid,” Laurie, the coach’s daughter, is depicted praying for strength before a game, marking the first time since The Hunchback of Notre Dame in 1996 that a Disney character has been shown praying explicitly to God.
While Laurie’s character and her expressions of faith have been met with approval from some viewers, others have voiced concerns. Alongside Laurie’s prayer, there is a scene where her mother, who practices tarot reading, offers a contrasting belief system. This mixture of spirituality has sparked discussions about the show’s portrayal of religious themes, with some LGBT advocacy groups expressing unease. They argue that, in the context of Disney’s decision to remove a transgender storyline from the series, the character of Laurie may signal a shift toward more conservative values in the company’s programming.
The introduction of Laurie’s character follows Disney’s controversial decision to cut a storyline involving a transgender child from Win or Lose. This move came after pushback from conservative groups, who objected to the inclusion of such a plotline. In response, some critics from LGBT outlets have suggested that Disney’s decisions—featuring a Christian character while abandoning the transgender narrative—indicate a shift toward embracing more traditional viewpoints.
This decision to highlight a Christian character in Win or Lose also comes in the wake of Disney’s vocal opposition to Florida’s Parental Rights in Education bill, often referred to as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Disney faced backlash from conservatives after expressing opposition to the bill, which limits discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in schools. Some believe the inclusion of Laurie’s faith reflects Disney’s attempt to navigate the tension between appealing to diverse audiences while responding to the political climate.
Win or Lose is Pixar’s first-ever animated series, and while it has faced criticism, it has also been praised for its exploration of different character perspectives. Despite the controversies surrounding the religious and political themes, the show’s focus on personal growth and team dynamics resonates with viewers, demonstrating Pixar’s ability to create thought-provoking stories while navigating complex societal issues.