Chris Evans spoke candidly about criticism towards the same-sex kiss that’s featured in the Disney and Pixar animated film Lightyear.
“The real truth is those people are idiots,” Evans told Reuters Television. “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.”
“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 added. “I think the goal is to pay them no mind, march forward and embrace the growth that makes us human.”
The scene, which features a kiss between two female characters, was originally removed by Disney before getting restored in March. The course change was inspired by an open letter from LGBTQ employees and allies at Pixar who called out Disney CEO Bob Chapek for his lackluster response to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill while also preaching about “creating a more inclusive world” through its projects.
Disney eventually spoke out against the bill, drawing a swift legal response from Florida’s Republican-led lawmakers aimed at removing the company’s special tax and “independent special district” status in the state.
Varietyreported earlier this week that Lightyear has been banned in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia due to the same-sex kissing scene. The Toy Story spinoff was reportedly never submitted to censors in Saudi Arabia because it was not expected to receive approval.
Lightyear soars into theaters on Friday, June 17.
