The 41-year-old actor — whovoices the title role in the Disney/Pixar animated film— called out critics of the movie’s moment in a new interview Monday, slamming those who feel the kiss promotes a pro-gay agenda.
Asked about the controversy, Evans toldReuters Television, “the real truth is those people are idiots.”
“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,” he said. “I think the goal is to pay them no mind, march forward and embrace the growth that makes us human.”
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He went on to applaud Disney/Pixar’s efforts to reflect diversity.
“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 said.
Pixar
Lightyeartells the origin story of Buzz Lightyear, the hero who inspired the action figure made famous in theToy Storyfilms.
While many have championed the inclusion of LGBTQ+ representation in the Disney/Pixar film, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates havebanned theToy Storyspin-off. On Monday, the UAE’s Media Regulatory OfficetweetedthatLightyearis “not licensed for public screening in all cinemas in the UAE, due to its violation of the country’s media content standards.”
The kiss was cut fromLightyearat one point, but back in March,Varietyreportedthat the embrace was put back intothe film, reportedly in response to Disney and Pixar staff uproar overDisney CEO Bob Chapek’s initial responseto Florida’s so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
Earlier this month, Evans championed Disney/Pixar’s decision reinstate the moment into the movie. “It’s great that it’s back in the film,” hetoldVanity Fair. “I think it’s a shame that it’s such a story. It should be more normalized, but I’m glad we are making those steps.”
Added Aduba, 41, “It’s incredible, and a real hats off to Disney and Pixar for having that kiss be a part of this story. The kiss is a greeting and a gesture of love that is tender. It does establish who they are as people, but it is not the singular identifier for who either of them are. Seeing a loving gay couple in a meaningful way is important for everybody.”
Galyn Susman, aLightyearproducer, toldVanity Fairthat it was “important” to “represent everybody” in the movie: “Representation is huge for us, and we want to make connections with as many people as possible. Alisha and her wife have a relationship that lasts an entire lifetime. We don’t have enough movies that show relationships that last an entire life, and that’s aspirational.”
Chris (R) and Scott Evans.John Lamparski/Getty
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Evans has long been a vocal ally of the LGBTQ+ community, previously saying that having a gay brother — actor Scott Evans — and sisters helped him “cultivate compassion and understanding” for other people.
“It’s important to experience anything different from what you know,” he previously told TheFIX.
“I’ve never felt any sort of backlash or friction as a result of the stance I’ve taken in my career in support of [my brother] or any other human rights,” theCaptain Americastar added. “Hopefully, it stays that way going forward.”
Lightyearsoars into theaters nationwide Friday.
source: people.com
