Pixar Releases Short Film Featuring Its First Openly Gay Lead Character
Video screenshot via Disney+
Pixar Animation Studios has taken a step forward in representing the world’s diverse characters, and has left the princess archetype out of its latest short film.
Out is Pixar’s first work to feature an openly gay lead character, and is part of the studio’s SparkShorts program, which endeavors to recognize “new storytellers” and “explore new storytelling techniques” while experimenting out of its usual production workflows, Pixar president Jim Morris explained last year.
The heartwarming film follows a man named Greg, who is preparing to move in with his boyfriend, Manuel. But first, he hopes to come out to his parents, as terrifying as it may be. “With some help from his precocious pup, and a little bit of magic, Greg might learn that he has nothing to hide,” the short’s description elaborates.
While Pixar had introduced an LGBTQ character in its recent movie, Onward, the portrayal raised flak as it was a small role with a highly unusual appearance.
Out debuted on Disney+ last Thursday, and has been met with a majority of positive reviews so far. Take a look at its trailer and some reactions below.
THERES A GAY SHORT ON DISNEY PLUS, HYPE THIS UP PLEASE ITS SO CUTE AND ITS OUT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/RKHsHWdL3Q
— Nat (@GothGF3000) May 22, 2020
Just watched this, then looked it up on the internet, assuming there would be a lot of hate.
— Bayou Babylon ⚜ (@bayoubabylon) May 22, 2020
Honestly, it makes sense that Disney's first gay character would appear in a short about coming out.
The animation is lovely, but the story would have been more poignant 10 years ago. pic.twitter.com/eickTv47si
OUT SPOILERS
— bri🌈⚔️ (@bricatloafs) May 22, 2020
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Please watch Out on Disney Plus. It’s the new Pixar Sparks Short and is genuinely funny, moving, and so huge. A gay man struggles to come out to his parents and it’s done beautifully. Support this ❤️🌈 pic.twitter.com/tJr6h49T4V
Watched #Out on Disney Plus and it was a wonderful story for Disney’s first gay love story. I can’t wait for more. 💜🌈 pic.twitter.com/YXh1gWvmOr
— Rodders ⚡️ (@rodbunnyslay) May 26, 2020
This was very well done :) Hope to see more like this in future Disney projects. Especially ones where they just are gay, no need to come out or explain to others. https://t.co/btwwHy4X19
— Michael Lowrimore (@gomichaelgo) May 26, 2020
[via Deadline, video and cover image via Disney+]
